National and Federal organizations

The three national organizations that I would like to be a part of base on their mission and vision for the well-being of children are as follows:

Too Small to Fail – http://toosmall.org/

“Too Small to Fail aims to help parents and businesses take meaningful actions to improve the health and well-being of children ages zero to five, so that more of America’s children are prepared to succeed in the 21st century” (toosmalltofail.org).  I choose this organization because it is new and have great backing because it is part of the Clinton Global Foundation.  Being a part of this organization would allow me to collaborate with professionals globally. I will be able to learn about other countries’ early care programs.

This is not a position base organization, but do have board members and blogs that members can provide their input on policies or issues that is being discussed.  I think the ideal position, would be a member, blogger, or parent advisor, where I can interact and share information regarding the current issues trending about early childhood education.  The person for this positioan would neeed to have the ability to communicate with parents, caregivers and other concerned individuals.  A degree in early childhood education is mandatory and the ability to share a big stage with others sharing and informing others of the need to invest in children.

National Black Child Development Institute – http://www.nbcdi.org/who-we-are/affiliates

This organization mission is about improving and advancing the quality of life for Black children and families.  They are dedicated to supporting the development of a high quality, accessible, affordable early care, and education for children birth through eight years old.  They collaborate with affiliates and national partners to focus on the particular strengths and needs of black children and families.  One particular goal is to ensure that all children are reading proficiently by the end of 3^rd grade (nbcdi.org).  I have had the opportunity to work with this organization in the past when I was pursuing NAEYC accreditation.

If I a position were available to work at this organization, it would be work as a Consultant/Education Specialist working with early care providers by providing them with resources, technical advice, and all the support they would need to pursue quality improvement in their program.  I believe that the position would require a person that is educated with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Development.  They must have experience so that they guide and help others improve the quality of care and education being provided in early care programs.  The person must be able to train teachers, work flexible hours, and be hands on person who will work with any provider from daycare homes to learning centers.

National Association of Early childhood Teachers and Educators – http://www.naecte.org/

This organization is geared to early childhood professionals by promoting professional growth and advocating for improvements in the field. It provides a communication network for educators where they can exchange ideas and resources. They work with national and international organizations through conferences and webinars. The website has a variety of resources such as early childhood journals, position papers for professions and teachers to utilize.

This organization accepts advertisements for positions or events of interest to early childhood teacher educators. The positons listed are for directors and factuality members of colleges and early care programs.   None of the jobs really appealed to me right now because they are out of state. However, I would consider a faculty position, teaching at a community college or career academy passing on my experience to others. The requirements for the position would be at least a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, experience working with early care professionals, and the ability to utilize resources such as journals, position papers, article, and books. Be able to conduct conferences and seminars informing others of research and practice.

Reference

http://www.naecte.org/

http://www.nbcdi.org/who-we-are/affiliates

http://toosmall.org/

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

The three organizations and communities of practice that appealed to me are, Bright From The Start Department of Early Care and Learning, Quality Care for Children and Voices for Georgia Children.  I believe that these organizations share similar missions that are to improve the quality of early care experiences and school readiness for children in Georgia.

Bright From The Start, Department of Early Care and Learning are a state agency that is responsible for for “meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia’s children and their families” (decal.ga.us).  The agency oversees a wide range of programs that is focused primarily on children ages to birth to school age and their families.  They are the licensing and monitoring agency for all center and home base facilities, the child and adult food program, Lottery Funded Pre-K program, and administer the federal Child Care and Development Fund and many others.

Quality Care for Children is a non-profit organization whose mission is to “ensure that Georgia’s infants and young children are nurtured 
and educated “(Qcc.org).  This organization is a resource and referral source for parents, childcare providers, and community leaders.  They work with parents with assistance in finding childcare in their community.  They also work with providers assisting them to improve the quality of care they provide to families.

Voices for Georgia Children- Their mission are to be a “powerful, unifying voice for a public agenda that ensures the well-being of all of Georgia’s children” (georgiavoices.org).  This organization ultimate mission is providing research base information to legislation to guide them make decisions for Georgia’s children.

The job opportunities that is currently available and interest me at these organizations are as follows:

At Bright From the Start – the job that would appeal to be is ‘Professional Development System Coordinator. At Quality Care for Children – Early Care and Education Specialist and Voices for Georgia’s Children only had one position that I don’t feel interested in pursuing, it the position for the Executive Director.

The skills and experience that I would need to competently fulfill each of these roles are as follows: At Bright From The Start the position requires good communication and understanding of early childhood educators and knowledge about resources to assist in meeting professional development needs. Ability to manage, monitor evaluates and reports progress of grantee agencies in meeting the goals as planned and approved in the contracts. Assist grantees in budgeting and controlling expenditures of federal grant funds. Be able to provide leadership, management, training and work collaboratively with other state agencies. Qualifications needed are a Bachelor’s degree in education and four years’ experience in management of the administrative support activities of a business.

At Quality Care for Children – The Early Care and Education Specialist position requires experience and skills with coordination, technical assistance, and training. Ability to develop quality improvement plans for childcare providers and the ability to identify the needs of parents and community by coordinating information sessions. Be able to distribute grants base on the needs of childcare programs and complete monthly reports. A Bachelor’s degree in Education, child development is required. Must be a State approved Trainer and have working experience in the childcare settings. The candidate must have strong organization skills, interpersonal skills, communication skills, and proficient in using Microsoft software. The candidate must have knowledge of National accreditation standards and assessments.

At Voices for Georgia’s Children, the position is for an Executive Director and requires competency in strategic planning and implementation, resource development and management, leadership, talent development, communications, outreach, public affairs and working with children. It requires a Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in social services or public policy. The experience needed includes eight plus years of progressive leadership with a nonprofit management, public administration, government affairs or communications.

References

http://decal.ga.gov/BftS/DecalJobs.aspx

http://qualitycareforchildren.org/about-careers

http://georgiavoices.org/career-opportunities/