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.