Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

When researching in the early childhood field, it is important to know the resources that are available locally, throughout your state, and nationally.  I believe that it’s important to stay connected to other early childhood professionals in order to seek opportunity that may assist me in furthering my career in the direction that I wish to go.  While researching national organizations, agencies, and communities of practice, I was able to find three with positions available that I would potentially be interested in pursuing. 

www.zerotothree.org

            The first organization that appealed to me was the National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families; Zero to Three.  I have utilized this organization for previous research assignments in various courses and have found it to be invaluable for the type of work that I would like to pursue.  In addition, I feel that it’s resources would be able to contribute greatly to the current challenge I am addressing of educating families of young children from ethnically diverse, low income, urban areas in our country.  The Zero to Three website states that it is their mission to “promote the health and development of infants and toddlers” (Zero To Three, 2012)  This organization provides resources for teachers and families; including extended families and how to have positive, lasting, beneficial relationships with their infants and toddlers.  It focuses on their growth and development, and keeping our children healthy and thriving.  I feel that this information is essential to developing a plan for furthering family education and helping families understanding the resources that are available to them; and how to access the knowledge that they need to raise healthy, happy children. 

            One position that I found within the Zero to Three organization was that of Senior Director of Programs.  I do not believe that I am currently qualified to hold such a position, but I do believe that it is one that I would love to work toward attaining.  This job would allow me to develop curriculum and effectively train other early childhood professionals.  I feel that I would need to gain a great deal of experience and wisdom prior to applying to such a demanding job, but that with a lot of hard work and dedication, I would eventually hold such a position; although, according to the job posting, I would qualify with my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Studies.  This position would also require me to have wonderful people skills and communication skills.  I would need to be able to communicate with individuals from all over the country and train people who are directors of other programs.  I think it would be wonderful to pass along my passions for anti-bias education through such a wide array of individuals and programs throughout the country.  This would be a position that I would like to attain in the later years of my career; when I feel confident in the knowledge I have acquired over the years and capable of articulating such passions to other educators and professionals. 

www.voices.org

            Another organization that I found intriguing would be Voices for America’s Children.  I feel that often, in this country, children are regarded as a profit, or as a population that needs fixing and direction.  It is frequently forgotten that young children are a population that is comprised of small individuals.  This organization’s name is what drew me into further exploring its mission and the career opportunities that may be available.  “We lead advocacy efforts at the community, state and federal levels to improve the lives of all children, especially those most vulnerable, and their families” (Voices for America's Children, 2012).  Being a quality advocate for children in various educational and living situations is a wonderful role to play in the early childhood field.  Regardless of whether it is on a local, state, national, or international level; it is essential that we are able to advocate for children that are unable to speak for themselves.  This organization spoke to me because I feel that the information I could gather here would greatly benefit my community of practice in reaching my goals of educating families who may be less fortunate as far as money and opportunity may be concerned.  The organization addresses many issues within the field that are near and dear to my heart; including equity, diversity, and poverty. 

            One possible job opportunity that sounded appealing to me would be that of a an intern in the executive department at Voices.  I feel that this position would help me to gain necessary experience in running a nonprofit and managing a team of individuals who are working toward the common good; a community of practice I would be proud to be a part of.  In addition, I believe that being in an entry level position is a humbling experience, and allows us to learn to work with others and glean information from those who have more experience.  These internships are typically granted to students and those who are training to be a part of nonprofit work.  I have worked for several nonprofit organizations and would love to learn the behind the scenes aspects of such wonderful organizations.  In addition, such an internship could potentially lead to a more permanent leadership position in this community of practice. 

www.nhsa.org

            Lastly, I have chosen the National Head Start Association.  This is another organization that would help me in my research and pursual of the education of parents and families in how to help their children become successful, contributing members of society by providing them with quality early childhood experiences; both in education and within their home.  Head Start is a program that holds a great deal of potential in serving our underprivileged youth in this country.  However, there is a lot of work that needs to be done to ensure the quality of the care that is being given to said children.  Being involved in a community of practice that focuses their mission on helping children al receive equal opportunities would be an ideal fit for me within the early childhood field.  I have applied to become a member of this community after reading several testimonials of current members.  One member stated that “NHSA membership provides a unique opportunity to participate in making public policy that will affect a generation of Americans” (National Head Start Association, 2012).  The materials and opportunities provided to the members in this organization will assist me in my own research, as well as help to link me to other early childhood professionals that share in my passions. 

            One position that stood out to me that is available through NHSA would be that of a Head Start Director.  It is my dream to run my own preschool in the future and I believe that working with the Head Start organization would be a wonderful opportunity.  I like the idea of having a link to the federal government and how they choose to run their early childhood programs.  I also would like to have a lasting impact on government policies that would benefit our future.  In order to obtain this position, I would need to acquire more experience and continue to pursue my Master’s degree.  In addition, I feel that it would be essential to be able to communicate professionally and articulately within my field.  I would need to be a positive leader and role model for my students, families, and employees. 

            Each of these organizations have appealed to me, as well as several others.  I look forward to reading about what all of you have researched and learning what other national opportunities are available to me within the early childhood field.  

 

References

National Head Start Association. (2012). NHSA. Retrieved from National Head Start Association: www.nhsa.org

Voices for America's Children. (2012). Voices. Retrieved from Voices for America's Children: www.voices.org

Zero To Three. (2012). Zero To Three; National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. Retrieved from Zero To Three: www.zerotothree.org