Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

 

This week’s blog is focused on sharing national/federal organizations or communities of practice. In this assignment I will also share positions within these organizations that are of interest to me.

1.       National Association of Early Childhood Specialist in State Departments of Education (NAECS-SDE)- http://www.naecs-sde.org/

The Association promotes high-quality services to young children and their families through improvement of instruction, curriculum, and administration of programs. Members of the Association have an opportunity to share ideas and to work together toward the solution of common problems. This organization is my first pick because I understand the importance of early childhood education and also the curriculum that is being used for our children. I also support this organization because they also promote family involvement in early childhood development.

This organizations does not have positions available but they do have committee’s that you could be a part of. One of the committee’s that I would love to be a part of is the Public Policy Committee. This committee’s role is: The function of the Public Policy Committee is to address issues which are of interest and relevance to the general membership. Issues may be addressed by reviewing policies and position statements from other organizations for possible endorsement, developing position statements for the Association as recommended by the membership or Executive Committee, or other actions which would support an informed and active membership. The Past President will be a member of this committee.

2.       National Education Association (http://www.nea.org/home/18163.htm)

Our mission is to advocate for education professionals and to unite our members and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education to prepare every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world. This organization was interesting to me because the advocate for early childhood professionals. This is so important as an early childhood professional because they provide many resources and materials that will help to better me in my profession.

This organization has one postion that is of interest to me. This position is Organizational Specialist. This positions role is: The incumbent serves as a member of the Center for Organizing (C40) reporting to the Manager (Training, Conferences, and Affiliate Support).   The essential functions of this position involve the development, delivery, and assessment of training to state affiliates and assigned constituency groups. This position collaborates with other Center staff to ensure that all trainings focus on organizing to grow membership, increase member engagement, and promote the habit and culture of organizing to build affiliate capacity and strengthen affiliates. The position minimal requirement is: Bachelor's degree or equivalent.  Minimum Qualifications: Experience as an employee on an Association staff or an advocacy organization with primary duties in one or more of the following areas: strategic planning, crisis management, collective bargaining, public relations, communications, and organizing, and/or legislative/political action.  Other Requirements: Writing samples (training, facilitation, organization development, reports, etc.) may be required at time of interview.  Must be able to work weekends and late evenings.  Extensive travel (over 90 overnights per year) is required.  Must possess a valid driver’s license.

3.       National Foster Parent Association (http://nfpaonline.org/)

This organization is very dear to me my community of practice is geared to support foster parents and also foster children. This organizations primary goal is to be a voice for all foster parents. This organization does not have positions available. They do advocate for future foster parents. They give lots of information for current and perspective foster parents.  

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

The three different organizations I chose where:

1. South Carolina Early Childhood Association

They have two main focus which are to:

 Increase awareness of the needs of children birth through eight by providing opportunities for better coordination among parents, teachers, health workers, religious and social workers, and others concerned with the childbirth through eight. Aid teachers by promoting workshops and conferences; and establish health and educational standards for nursery schools, kindergartens and other child care centers.

On the SCECA's website they had one positon open which was "Macfeat Laboratory School Lead Teacher". This position is located a Winthrop University whcih is located in Rock Hill, SC. The job requirments are:

·         Master’s degree in early childhood education, child development or closely related field

·         Thirty six college semester hours (undergraduate or graduate) in the field of early childhood education, child development, early childhood special education, or elementary education from an accredited institution  (see http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation for acceptable institutions)

·         Successful teaching experience with three, four and/or five year olds

·         Teacher licensure or certification in early childhood, early childhood special education, or elementary education preferred

·         Knowledge of current issues and trends in early childhood education

·         Evidence of effective interpersonal and communication skills

2. South Carolina Parenting Education Network

This organizaiton mission is to "To provide a central resource for parenting educators as

well as agencies and individuals seeking parenting education training".

This organziation does not have any positions available but they do give information on how

to become a membe. To become a member you will need to fill out a application and also 

write an esay answering this question: Why do you think parenting education is

important? 

3.  Bair Foundations

This organization is local and very dear to my heart. Thier mission is The Bair Foundation will

provide Christ-centered quality care and services dedicated to the treatment, restoration, and empowerment

of children, youth and families.

There available postions are:



This position requirment is:

 Master’s degree in a Social Services or related field and five years of experience working with children placed

outside the home. Two years of prior supervisory experience preferred.

I have already applied for this postion because I would love to gain some experience in this type of work.


Resorces:

Bair Foundation: http://www.bair.org/en-us/joinourteam/careers.aspx

 
South Carolina Early Childhood Association: http://www.sceca.org/


South Carolina Parenting Education Network :http://www.scpen.net/

Capstone Class Introduction

Hello All,

I am so excited about meeting the new people in this class and also meeting back up with others that are old colleagues. This is the time that we can put what we learned to work. I can't wait to hear some of the interesting things that you all have learned along the way and how it is being used in your daily lives as EC professionals. This is the first week and I am eager to hear from you.


McKenzie Gray