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

This week’s assignment made me take a look at what I have been doing for the last 23 years and how important it is to be able to reassess where I am and where I want to be within the next five years. I currently work for the federal government and I have been in various positions within the federal government system under the military affiliation. This week I ventured beyond the military walls and looked at the following national agencies and organizations:

Department of Education: www.ed.gov

A federal agency that is geared to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. Job opportunities range from supervisory to research. Because this agency conducts research, analyze the research, and develop policy and procedures, I am most interested in seeking a job within the policy and procedures department. Currently there are no positions open. I did find a position that sparked my interest, Director, Special Education Rehabilitation and Research Analyst. Although I do have the experience and the education, currently I do not meet the criteria because I am currently 2 levels below the position.


National Education Association: www.nea.org

This is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. The mission is to advocate professionals and to unite our members and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education to prepare every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world. Positions in the NEA include executive, managerial, professional, technical, administrative/clerical and trades/crafts. Although the headquarters is in the Washington DC area, there are state affiliation connections for hiring. Being in the DC/MD/VA area there are opportunities in the area of Uniserv Director that primarily serve as advocates to make positive changes for teachers and students. I would need to be able to communicate verbally and nonverbally, have technology skills, be able to handle conflict and be a self- starter who works without direct supervision.

National Head Start Association: www.nhsa.org

Mission is to coalesce, inspire and support the Head Start field as a leader in early childhood development and education. The association is compelled to fulfill this mission by the promise of all the possible outcomes: one powerful, united HeadStart voice, a collegial, collaborative. There is a Director of Family Development positon available and of interest to me because I enjoy working with families and providing them with resources that will be effective in the development of their children. One of the requirements is that all applicants must be a member of the organization before you can view the position listing and apply.

All three sources that I researched appealed to my interest because their missions are related to my goal of being an advocate for early childhood. It is important that every child, family, and educator are provided the right resources that will ensure that all developmental needs are met and are offered equally to all, especially to those who have special needs. As I finish my Capstone and I obtain my Masters in the field of ECE Leadership, my goal is to be able to make a difference for children. I now see that there are many ways that I can be influential by either being a part of policy and procedure development, mentoring educators, and walking directly with families and children.

Community Practice: Organizations and Job Opportunities

National Association Early Young Children(NAEYC)
http://www.naeyc.org

NAEYC's mission is to serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights and well-being of all young children with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental services and resources (NAEYC Bylaws, Article I., Section 1.1).

NAEYC seeks an effective leader with proven success in accreditation and early childhood higher education or professional development systems. I found a Senior Director position that was of interest. The responsibilities included directing, leading, and managing NAEYC’s efforts related to the accreditation of early childhood education degree programs in institutions of higher education that lead to an associate, baccalaureate, or advanced degree. Works in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including NAEYC staff, NAEYC peer reviewers, ECADA Commission members, NAEYC Audit Team members, and representatives from national/local organizations to make NAEYC higher education accreditation systems critical components of state and national professional development systems.

Minimum of a Master’s degree in human services management, early childhood education, child development, instructional design, adult learning, education policy, higher education administration, or a related field. Also there is a requirement of
5 years of experience in accreditation systems and higher education or professional development systems; at least 3 years with significant supervisory/management responsibility.
Knowledge of higher education accreditation systems, higher education systems, and/or state professional development systems and their connection to ECE professional preparation
Knowledge of early childhood education or child development.
Knowledge of current issues and key stakeholders in the early childhood education field, particularly as they relate to the early childhood workforce.
Experience in public speaking, developing, and presenting material to a national professional audience, and facilitating group processes. Ability to travel.

The Division of Early Childhood
http://marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/child_care/index.htm

Development at the Maryland State Department of Education is responsible for early care and education in Maryland. The main mission of the Division is to improve early education in Maryland so that young children are well prepared for school. The Division is composed of the Office of Child Care, the Early Learning Branch, and the Collaboration and Program Improvement Branch.

I did not see any positions of interest to me at this time. My goal is to be a me to support the developmental needs of all children especially those with learning disabilities. I will continue to revisit the website for job opportunities that will meet my goal and focus.


Military Child Education Coalition (MCE)
http://www.militarychild.org/about-us

This organization is focused on ensuring quality educational opportunities for all military children affected by mobility, family separation, and transition. A 501(c)(3) non-profit, world-wide organization, the MCEC performs research, develops resources, conducts professional institutes and conferences, and develops and publishes resources for all constituencies.

Because I am currently working in the military early childhood program, there is an opportunity to become more visible and an advocate for military families and children. The position is Military Student Transition Consultant (MSTC) .
The MCEC is looking for a seasoned, strategic, and process-minded Military Student Transition Consultant (MSTC) with public school experience, strong ties within the local school district, military service background, and military education background. To support a positive relationship between the School District and the Military community. Establish protocols to communicate and market available school district and MCEC
resources and school events to families; Work with military connected students and others to coordinate and support efforts to: assess needs, build awareness of resources, and provide a connection between students/families with needs with possible solutions; Provide assistance to military connected students with needs as they relate to deployment and relocations;
Assist in providing programs and services which place an emphasis on promoting
the military connected student and families with the local community;
Assist, as needed, with grant proposals and other fundraising opportunities;
Provide support to families with special needs issues and assist in the navigation
of the school special education process;
As a prerequisite, the successful candidate must be committed to the core values of the MCEC’s mission. Further, the successful candidate will most likely have had a combination of public school experience and a military education background (e.g., taught in schools with military-connected student populations). Military service and/or military family connection is highly valued.

Candidate requirements:
• Character—trustworthiness, dedication, respect for diversity of background and experience, dedication to learning and growing personally, patriotism, maturity, high personal and a deep commitment to children.
• Results—proven track record of exceeding goals and a bottom-line orientation; evidence of the ability to consistently make good decisions through a combination of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment.
• Action Oriented—enjoys working hard and looks for challenges; able to act and react, as necessary, even if limited information is available; is responsive; not afraid to take charge of a situation.
• Articulate and Accurate—demonstrates excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Background Requirements—authorized to work in the United States, undergraduate degree related to education required; Master’s degree in education, special education, social work, psychology, or counseling, or similar advanced degrees highly preferred; Experience working
military students highly preferred; Special education background is highly preferred.

Based on my education and experience I feel that I would equipped to work in the NAEYC and MCEC Organizations. Having a military culture background in early childcare and completing the Walden MS ECE program I would bring a strong sense of communication and collaboration which draws on my focus of being an advocate for families and children.