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

One national organization that I would love to be a part of is ZERO TO THREE, “...nonprofit organization that provides parents, professionals and policymakers the knowledge and know-how to nurture early development” (http://www.zerotothree.org,2011).  Their passion to help babies and toddles is similar to mine and the reason that I want to continue my education. The Mission at ZERO TO THREE is “is to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life” (http://www.zerotothree.org, 2011). “All of their work is, research, multidisciplinary, collaborative, culturally responsive, clinically informed, accessible” (http://www.zerotothree.org, 2011). Putting all of that together to support children is amazing. I have learned a lot from the research that they have done, and I have used it to broaden my perspective on topics in this program.  

“ZERO TO THREE values cultural and professional diversity among its staff and is widely recognized as an outstanding place to work. ZERO TO THREE is an equal opportunity employer. We have over 100 employees” (http://www.zerotothree.org, 2011). One job that looked interesting and rewarding was a Community Coordinator in Connecticut. It would involve collaboration and setting up team meetings across many organizations involved. With my background and education this would be a great experience. 

Another national organization that would be great is NAEYC. The National Association for the Education of Young Children. “NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children” (http://www.naeyc.org, 2011).

Like ZERO TO THREE they work to advocate for young children. They offer programs that will help children reach their full potential. 

I think it would be great to intern there and see how they do research and publish their periodicals. “Applicants should have strong writing, proofreading, organizational, and critical thinking skills; experience with MS Office; and familiarity with social media (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest). Applicants must have experience in and knowledge of the field of early childhood education. Experience making videos or podcasts is a bonus” (http://www.naeyc.org, 2011). Some of this I would have to work on but my knowledge in Early childhood would come in handy. 

The final organization that really stands out to me is the Children’s Defense Fund. Their mission is, “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” (http://www.childrensdefense.org, 2011). . They have some great programs out there to help Beat The Odds, Freedom Schools, Youth Development and Leadership, and Faith Based Action Programs. These programs “build upon this long legacy of success by empowering communities and advocates to create the change our children urgently need” (http://www.childrensdefense.org, 2011). Some things that they are also working on is to end child poverty, health care for all children, quality early childhood experiences, protect children from abuse and neglect, and stop the criminalization of children, according to CDF. 

One position that caught my eye was The AmeriCorps Promise Fellow. This position, “seeks to improve the economic stability of low-income families by connecting them to an array of public work support programs and tax credits” (http://www.childrensdefense.org, 2011).  With my degree in education, and my background knowledge in Diversity this would be a great opportunity for me. 

All of these organizations are great! They all are working hard so that children have a chance to grow up and live to their full potential. I would feel honored to be able to work with one of these organizations. 

References:

Children’s Defense Fund. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.childrensdefense.org/ Retrieved on January 27, 2015

National Association for the Education of Young Children. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.naeyc.org/ Retrieved on January 27, 2015

Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.zerotothree.org/ Retrieved on January 27, 2015

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

This week in class we had to find at least three local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you, and explain why you chose them, job opportunities that they offer, and the skills and experiences that I would need in those jobs. 

The Village family service center https://www.thevillagefamily.org is a great center that helps families and children in North Dakota. They have programs that help pregnant women, they offer counseling, they have the Big Brother Big Sister program. They also have a program that is mostly based in the Fargo/Moorhead area. It is the Nokomis II Child Care Center.  I think the Big Brother Big Sister program would be a great program to participate in. If you are a responsible adult who cares about the well being of children and want to be a positive role model in a child’s life. It would be a great experience. Another place I would like to work at is the Nokomis II Child Care Center. I have actually considered moving to Fargo so if I ever do this would be a great place t work. “...looking for a remarkable individual to be a lead pre-toddler teacher. An Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education is preferred, along with experience in child care” (https://www.thevillagefamily.org). At this center they are looking for families who need a little extra help. “Priority enrollment is given to children with developmental delays, behavioral challenges, or financial obstacles” (https://www.thevillagefamily.org). I would love to put what I have learned into a program like this. 

PATH in North Dakota (http://www.pathnd.org) is another great program that supports families and children. They help families with adoption, families dealing with foster care, counseling, and families dealing with mental health issues. Some positions that are available are SAFE Foster parents and CARE parents. In these roles you provide a place to live for the child and round the clock care. A place for children to calm down and re-focus so they can get a new start to their day. Again a background in child care and development would be very beneficial in these positions. 

A final program is the MInot Infant Developmnet Program (http://www.ndcpd.org/midp/ ). This program provides Early Intervention services from Birth to Three. “If a child's developmental delays are identified early, appropriate intervention can help to build a strong foundation to insure maximum development of potential as a child grows” (http://www.ndcpd.org/midp/ ). Sevice is provided by “Specialists in the area of :Cognitive Development, Speech and Language, Audiology, Fine Motor Skills, Gross Motor Skills, Nutrition, and Social-Emotional” (http://www.ndcpd.org/midp/ ). “The Minot Infant Development Program assists parents in finding information, locating services, and working with their children on specific learning needs. Nearly all the training is done in the child's natural environment, his own home” (http://www.ndcpd.org/midp/ ). My background in Early Childhood Education would be a great benefit to me for this program. I would be able to help parents and children with what I have learned. 

These programs all stand out to me because of the great things that they do for families and children. I would love to be able to work in one of these programs and be able to educate children and families and provided support. 

References:

MInot Infant Development Program, http://www.ndcpd.org/midp/  retrieved on January 17, 2015. 

PATH Treatment Foster Care and Family-Based Services, http://www.pathnd.org retrieved on January 17, 2015. 

The Village Family Service Center https://www.thevillagefamily.org retrieved on January 17, 2015.