Sunday, July 27, 2014

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

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level
During my research of programs in my local and state area I was able to find different organizations that offered support to the ECE community. Within these programs I also found jobs I would be interested in. When I broadened my search to national and federal programs I came across some programs that in my opinion offered a different type of support for our ECE community. 


1. Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI)

ACEI is a global community of educators and advocates who unite knowledge, experience, and perspectives in order to exchange information, explore innovation, and advocate for children. The Association promotes and supports the optimal education and development of children, from birth through early adolescence, and the professional growth of educators and others committed to the needs of children in a changing society.

*This organization was appealing to me because it not only reaches out to the children and families in need but also educates the educators of those who are teaching them As educators I feel there is always room for growth and knowledge in the field. 

2. National Association for the Education of Young People (NAEYC)

NAEYC is dedicated to improving the well-being of all young children, with particular focus on the quality of educational and developmental services for all children from birth through age 8. The Association administers a voluntary, national accreditation system for high-quality early childhood programs, sponsors a variety of initiatives to improve professional preparation of early childhood educators, and produces a wide array of early childhood resources. NAEYC membership provides participation in both national and local services through the Association's network of over 300 local, state, and regional Affiliates.

*This organization is one that I personally use as a reference throughout my studies and when i am searching for new ideas. 

3.Nation Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI)

NBCDI provides and supports programs, workshops, and resources for African American children, their parents and communities in early health and education, health, elementary and secondary education, child welfare, and parenting. Affiliate chapters in many regions of the country provide direct services at the community level.

*In our society today as an African American I see so many families in search for assistance and those who understand the struggle they may be facing. I have used the information from this organization and requested to become a member so that I could receive more information on how to help those not only in my community and future center but also how to reach out to those closet to me. 

Jobs:
Assistant Child Care Specialist
*For this position I would need more field experience

CIE: Head Start Family Development Worker
*I must be bilingual in Spanish and English for this position

Adjunct Faculty: Child Development

*36 recent months of working with young children

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

As the end of this journey is winding down I have started to look for positions that will directly be related to my masters degree. Opening my own early childhood facility has always been a dream. While working for the school district I have learned the stepping stones for this dream can start here. 

A few positions I have found and seek to apply for are:

  • Early Childhood Learning Center Instructor
  • Early Childhood Learning Center Curriculum Coordinator
  • Early Childhood Learning Center Aide
Each of these positions are part of a program through the school district I work in that offers an early childhood learning center for children of district employees. 

The requirements for these positions consist of:  

1. High school diploma or GED required; college hours preferred. 
2. Physically able to lift, carry, push and pull up to 50 pounds. 
3. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills. 
4. Minimum of one year successful child care experience in a licensed child care facility. 
5. Experience as a lead child care instructor preferred. 
6. Knowledge of Texas Child Care Licensing standards preferred.

Working within the early childhood field I have come across some interesting organizations that appear to only be just faculties that offer care of assistance to families. As I worked for them I began to see they were more than that they were actually places that expressed the true definition of community of practice. These organizations are:
  1. The Children's Courtyard
  2. Kids R Kids
  3. YMCA
These facilities take the time to reach out to their communities and provide assistance and special programs to the children and families within it.