ECE Jobs/Roles at the National/Federal Level

As I researched various federal and national organizations, I came across several that stood out to me. The first organization is the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). According to their mission statement ‘NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. As an early childhood professional who strongly believes in the need to create high quality early learning opportunities for all children, I find the work that NAEYC does in support of children, families and early childhood professionals at the national level extremely valuable. One of the job openings at NAEYC that I found interesting is that of Senior Director, NAEYC Academy for Early Childhood Program Accreditation (http://www.naeyc.org/about/jobs). The position entails leading and managing the NAEYC’s accreditation program which works to improve the quality of child care, preschool and kindergarten programs by establishing standards and accrediting programs that meet those standards. Required skills and experience include demonstrated leadership and management skills administering early childhood systems and quality improvement initiatives, excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills and an advanced degree in non-profit management, business administration and/or early childhood education. Although I do not currently have the necessary skills and experience required of such a position, the opportunity to manage a program that promotes the quality of early childhood programs is very appealing.

         The second organization I was interested in is the United States Department of Health and Human Services. I was particularly interested in one of its’ divisions; the Administration for Children and Families which is committed to promoting the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals and communities. I found their work to be of interest due to my own interest in increasing access to resources for families as a means for supporting their well-being. A position I was interested in at the Administration for Children and Families is that of Supervisory Child Care Program Specialist (https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/385433200). This position entails providing leadership, direction and technical guidance for the administration of the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). Basic requirements for this position include a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral or Social Sciences or related disciplines and at least one year of experience in the federal service directing, monitoring, and providing technical assistance to child care programs; planning and scheduling work for a group of subordinates; and providing guidance to grantees to ensure consistent and uniform adherence to federal requirements.

         The third organization I was interested in is the United States Department of Education. Its’ mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. It is responsible for implementing initiatives such as Race to the Top. I find great value its’ work in supporting the education of our children. A position I found interesting is that of Supervisory Education Program Specialist (https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/381519000). The position entails providing leadership to the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education in coordinating the multiple programs administered by them and rethinking the way in which the department interacts with states. A few of the basic requirements for this position include a degree, Four (4) years of experience that demonstrated a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of the work in the education program specialist series, At least one (1) full academic year of professional teaching experience among other more specialized requirements for this position. 

Exploring roles in the ECE community at the local and state levels

As I researched various organizations in my area I came across several organizations and communities of practice that appealed to me.  One of the local organizations that appealed to me was the Maryland Childcare Association (http://www.mscca.org/index.html). I found their mission to promote the growth and development of professional licensed child care and learning centers in Maryland very appealing because of my desire to see improvement in the quality of early childhood programs. In addition, I found that becoming a member of this organization would enable me to become a community of practice consisting of early childhood professionals, advocates and families all committed to making positive changes in the field of early childhood in our state. The benefits of membership are numerous and some of them include; the opportunity to network with early childhood professionals at the local, state and national level, access to active local chapters on a monthly basis, access to trainings, events and conferences, access to mentors, access to a registered state lobbyist who monitors Senate and House bills and advocates for children, families and teachers and the opportunity to have their interests represented Maryland State General Assembly. I believe that becoming a member of this community of practice would offer me numerous opportunities for professional development.

The second organization I was interested in is the Maryland Family Network http://www.friendsofthefamily.org/mission. The mission of this organization is to ensure that young children and families have the resources to learn and succeed. I feel strongly about ensuring that families and children have access to the community supports and services they need and therefore found the work of this organization very appealing. In addition to the services it provides to children and families in the form of Family Support Centers and Parent Leadership programs, the network works in the area of public policy, advocacy and legislation. According to the organization’s website, their work has helped to make Maryland one of the best states in the country for early education and childcare.

The third organization I was interested in was the Montgomery Child Care Association (http://www.mccaedu.org/about_mcca.html). In addition to providing high quality child care and play based education for the children in Montgomery County, Maryland, they provide professional development training for child care providers and advocate for affordable, quality child care for families of all income levels and better training, pay and benefits for child care professionals. I found the work of this organization to be of interest due to my own interest in these issues. While perusing their website I came across two openings, center director and program director. Except for the prior management experience required for both positions, I believe I possess the educational qualifications and skills required for these positions. Some of the required skills and abilities include the knowledge of best practices in child care administration and program management, ability to evaluate child care operations and financial management, excellent judgment and decision making skills, solid understanding of and the ability to assess child development and deliver developmentally appropriate practice, ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with program staff, families and children and effective conflict resolution skills with children, families and team members.

As an early childhood professional, there are many benefits to being a part of a community of practice and collaborating with other organizations committed to the young children and their families. Participating in this program has motivated me to actively seek out communities of practice that I believe will not assist me in my own professional development but assist me in making a difference in the field of early childhood.