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
It looks like we chose very similar organizations, Rachael. I think interning for Zero to Three sounds like an amazing opportunity. I agree that seeing how they conduct research and write their periodicals would be interesting. Although I didn't find any openings or specific postings I have always thought it would be fun to write for a magazine or early childhood blog. Thanks for sharing your findings!
ReplyDeleteRachael,
ReplyDeleteAs we have discovered on so many occasions, you and I once again are on the same wavelength! I, too, researched and wrote about the NAEYC and Zero to Three as two of my organizations. I truly believe the NAEYC helps to keep ECE running effectively and allows us to connect with fellow educators and professionals easily. It provides so much for ECE. The Children's Defense Fund is an organization I had not considered but have the utmost respect for, as well. Thank you for sharing. :)
Ashley Richards