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

The three national/federal organizations or communities of practice I chose were:

(1) National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). 

“The NAYEC has almost 80,000 members with a national network of 300 affiliates. Dedicated to working in behalf of children through 8 years of age, NAEYC sets the standards for programs and teachers involved in early childhood education. With its large membership and clout they are able to influence the government's policy direction on matters pertaining to early childhood education such as funding for early childhood programs, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and the re-authorization of the Child Care & Development Block Grant.  NAEYC sets the standards and norms for early childhood education programs and issues the proper accreditation to programs meeting these standards” (About NAEYC, n.d).

 (2)  First Children's Finance

“Apart from providing educational resources, FCF provides financial assistance or loans to businesses engaged in child care and early education. FCF also finances new family child care homes and schools (to include Head Start).  First Children’s Finance provides loans and business-development assistance to high-quality child care businesses serving low- and moderate-income families” (First Children’s Finance, 2016).

(3)  Children's Defense Fund

“This is another child advocacy organization that champions policies and programs aimed at uplifting the plight of poor children and ensure they have access to health care and quality education. CDF has been in existence for the past 35 years pursuing their mission of ensuring that every child gets a "Healthy Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, a Head Start, and a Moral Start" in Life.  The Children's Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities” (Children’s Defense Fund, 2016).

Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest you

Program Director, Indianola, MS, US

Save the Children UK

I am dreaming of owning my own childcare center, so, I find it only fitting to search for job opportunities to accommodate my goal.  This job is currently available and meets the criteria to help me fulfill my dreams.  To be considered for this job, I must meet the requirement of Bachelor’s degree; but, a Master’s degree is preferred in Management, Early Childhood Development, Human Services or related fields.  A minimum 7 years of progressively responsible supervisory/management positions including experience working with boards and advisory committees. Previous Head Start management experience preferred. Good communication and skills (open, honest, objective, good listener, with team management approach to clear goals and objectives).

Proficiency Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Acceptable tuberculosis screening results, a clear criminal background check including fingerprinting and an initial health exam are required post job offer and prior to employment.

Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.

About NAEYC.  (n.d). Retrieved from:

            http://www.naeyc.org/content/about-naeyc

Children’s defense fund.  (2016). Retrieved from: 

            http://www.childrensdefense.org
First children’s finance.  (2016). Retrieved from:

            http://www.firstchildrensfinance.org/