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

This week we were asked to look at 3 national organizations that foster the well-being of children, families, and the early childhood field. The three national organizations that I chose to look into are:

1. National Head Start Association (NHSA): NSHA is a national organization that works to advocate for children, families, and communities. Their goal is to work diligently for policy and institutional changes that ensure all vulnerable children and families have what they need to be successful by supporting and providing resources to the families and communities (National Head Start Association,2012). There are two programs associated with Head Start; Head Start which was created in 1965 and Early Head Start which was created in 1994. They serve children and families earning income at or  below the federal poverty level (National Head Start Association, 2012,par.1). I am interesting in this organization because it's main goal is to serve families who other wise would not be able to afford day care or other child care for their children. My Capstone project is concern with obesity within the school system I work in. It is at the Elementary level with children in grades first through fifth. I know that the issue of children being overweight and obese will exist in all children of all ages. Some research recognizes that children from low-income are more at risk of suffering from obesity ( Robert Wood Johnson Foundation,2011). The jobs on this site consisted of jobs   for directors, teacher aide, child development specialists, and education coordinators across the United States. You have to be a member to view the full position listing of jobs. After searching the website I located two positions. The one that interested me was the position for Policy, Data, and Research Fellowship. To qualify for this position which include education, experience, and competencies, you must be familiar with and committed to Head Start and the diverse communities Head start program serve.  You must have a bachelor's degree and minimum coarse work in statistics and quantitative research methodology. Excellent written and verbal skills, a high level of energy, one to three years relevant work experience.

2. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). I love this website. It has so much to offer  individuals in the field of Education. I used it a lot during this program . NAEYC was founded in 1926 and is the largest organization working on behalf of young children with nearly 80,000 members. It has a network of more than 300 state and local affiliates and continues to grow globally in forming alliance with like minded organizations (NAEYC, n.d., par.1). In exploring job opportunities  the job I found was for a Assistant teacher for two year old class at the Anne & Jim Kenan Preschool. The requirements for this position is a Bachelor or Master's degree from an accredited university.  You must have experience working with preschool children, knowledge of best practices in early childhood education, language and early literacy instruction, and be diligence in following policies and procedures regarding children's supervision safety.

3. High Scope. The High Scope Educational research Foundation is located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. It is an independent, private, nonprofit research , development, training, and public outreach organization that serves national and international audience committed to promoting high quality early education for young children (High Scope).   It is a diverse organization with of 50 professional educators, researchers, publishing staff, administrative staff.  The position that interested me was for a Elementary Research Associate 1.  This position is located in the Center for Early Education Evaluation (CEEE), Evaluation, Training &Assessment Division. The requirements are to coordinate early elementary level training, assessment and evaluation projects. You must be able to assist and work closely with other research staff in developing and reviewing elementary level materials, assist in developing, planning, coordinating and implementing elementary assessment trainings and evaluation projects. You must have a strong knowledge of early childhood development and educational practices. Knowledge of assessments practices, research designs and statistical  analysis  approaches. A doctorate or (PHD or Ed. D.), in early childhood/elementary education, curriculum and teacher education, or related field is required.

References

High Scope. Retrieved from http://www.high scope.org/content.asp?ContentId=112

National Association for the Education of Young Children, (NAEYC). Retrieved from
     http://www.naeyc.org

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

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. retrieved from:
     http://www.rwjf.org