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

During our Master's journey, we have come across many organizations with such great missions and goals.  Honestly, it was very hard to choose just three.  Knowing that the central piece that connects them all is children, makes it all a little easier. 
 

NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children):  Since starting my journey in early childhood education, I have been very interested in the NAEYC.  The NAEYC is a national organization that works very hard to raise the standards and provide quality care for all children age birth through 8 years old.  The NAEYC accreditation programs are well known and families often seek out programs that are NAEYC accredited. A role that interests me with the NAEYC is to become a member of the Council for the NAEYC Accreditation Programs for Young Children.  The duties of the committee members are to approve policies, provide feedback, and oversee all accreditation programs.  When on the committee, you are a member for three years, and attend meetings three times each year. 
 

NAECTE (National Association for Early Childhood Teacher Educators)-  The NAECTE is an association for early childhood educators to come together to learn about current issues and trends, new laws, sharing of information and ideas, and professional development.  I think it is very important for educators to be part of a group in which they can learn from each other.  When we are united, we are stronger.  I know that the NAECTE has officers and regional representatives, who make part of the governing board.  My interest in administration and leadership makes me very interested in being part of a governing board that works to help fellow educators make positive changes in our field.  The governing board members are elected by the members of the association.  Membership is the only pre-requisite to this job. 

Zero to Three- Zero to Three is an organization that I have followed since becoming a Developmental Therapist in 2010.  Indiana’s early childhood intervention system (First Steps) used information and research from Zero to Three in our monthly newsletters.  We were required to read through the information and take quizzes.  Zero to Three is a non-profit organization that provides information and research in order to enhance the lives of children ages birth to three.  They currently do not have a position available for a trainer, but that would be a role that would appeal to me.  Zero to Three provides training through the National Training Institute.  The National Training Institute provides annual training for individuals working in the early childhood field.  A trainer would require a person who is an expert in the field, and has a great depth of knowledge about the content of a specific area.  While I am definitely not at the point yet in my career, it is definitely something to work toward! 

 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

When I first started my master’s degree journey, I spent many hours researching jobs in the early childhood field.  I was very lucky to start working in early childhood soon after.  I spent two years immersed in working with the birth-three population, and am now currently working with kindergarten students.  Working with young child is fun and rewarding.  During my research I have discovered three very important federal and local programs that are directly focused on the early childhood field, and contain jobs that would be amazing jobs as early childhood professionals. 

Indiana First Steps-Indiana First Steps is an early intervention program that provides services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and developmental therapy for children ages birth-3 years old.  This is a state organization that many others state also have.  I worked for Indiana First Steps for two years as a developmental therapist.  A degree in early childhood education is required in order to be a developmental therapist, or a degree in special education with at least 30 early childhood credits.  This job was very rewarding because I was able to work 1 on 1 with individual children and their families.  I focused on child development and family education.  This is a job that I would consider doing again, and know this is always an option. 

Indiana Family and Social Services Adminstration- Family and Social Services Administration is a state organization that provides assistance for children and families that are facing challenges such as medical, nutrition, and childcare assistance.  They also assist families with rehabilitation and therapeutic services, and mental health care.  A professional career that has always been interesting to me would be working as a case worker.  Many case workers have a bachelor’s degree in a social service field, but can also have a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as education.  I think working one on one with children and families, and making their lives better would be very rewarding.   

Head Start- Head Start is a federal program that provides education services (preschool) for low-income children and families.  This program gives all children a chance to get a preschool education prior to starting kindergarten so that they can be more successful in school.  They promote cognitive, emotional, and physical health in all students.  I would be very interesting in working as a Head Start director.  The qualifications of a director are having a bachelor’s degree in early childhood, administration, or a related field.  The director must also have 2 years of related experience.  As a director, I would also be in charge of the budget and all school operations.  In addition to that, a director should have knowledge of grant programs, and experience working with at-risk families.  This would be a highly stressful, but very rewarding job.