Jobs/Roles in the ECE
Community: National/Federal Level
“Due to the definite rise in the
numbers of children now attending preschool and nursery programs in the U.S.,
there are currently more high paying early childhood education jobs available.
With input from the media, government officials, colleges and university
education departments and early childhood educational organizations, awareness
of the necessity of educating children beginning during infancy and toddler
years is growing rapidly. Fortunately, this occurrence has both developed and
enhanced the quality and extent of educational programs open to such young
children. In addition, it has caused impressive growth in the number and
variety of employment positions within the work area of early childhood education”
(ECED).
This final course has
opened my eyes to a variety of job opportunities for the future in early
childhood education. These positions
require a Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree, teaching experience, and a desire
to work with or advocate for children.
It also has expanded my Community of Practice. I reviewed two national organizations that include: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA).
The NAEYC is the largest membership organization of
people working and/or interested in early childhood. I discovered the “Early Childhood Education Professional
Development: Training and Technical Assistance Glossary”. This is a joint project of National
Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and National
Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (NACCRRA). This provides professional preparation and ongoing professional
development for the early childhood education workforce is essential to
providing high-quality services to children and families.
The NACCRRA is the
national network of more than 850 child care resource and referral centers
(CCR&Rs) located in every state and most communities across the nation.
CCR&R centers help families, child care providers, and communities find,
provide, and plan for affordable, quality child care. Through this website, I discovered the “Child
Care Aware Training Academy” which has partnered with Lakeshore Learning
Company to create an exclusive pairing of Lakeshore instructional materials and
Training Academy online courses.
Educators need new and exciting resources to help meet the needs of our
children.
There are
many job opportunities to pursue. For
example: Grant Writers, Director of
Educational Programs with private or public schools, or political advocate in
my state. In addition to national
organizations, I decided to add a New Mexico state politician to my Community
of Practice. Gay G. Kernan is a Republican member
of the New Mexico Senate, representing District 42. She was first elected to the chamber in 2002. Kernan
earned a B.A. from the University of Mississippi. Her professional experience includes working
as an elementary school teacher from 1993-2003, and as Assistant Coordinator in
the Early Reading First Program since 2006 in my hometown of Hobbs, New Mexico. I believe those in charge of policies for
students should have knowledge and experience working in the schools. This might be an opportunity I might like to
pursue in some capacity. I have learned
that I need to be a “voice” for children in New Mexico in order to help make
changes. I have the background so I need
to use my knowledge to make a difference.
Instead of sitting on the sidelines, I need to step out of my comfort
zone to fulfill my desire to help students.
References
http://www.early-childhood-education-degrees.com/