Friday, March 23, 2012

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







 The Children’s Defense Fund has been a major part of my life for the duration of my coursework with Walden.  Every time I research a topic, CDF is one of the resources cited or has an honorable mention in one way or another.  Mariam Wright-Edelman is and always will be a woman I consider a mentor.  Along with her staff and many dedicated volunteers and power brokers, Mrs Wright-Edelman has been a member of the many trailblazers leading us in the direction to providing excellence in parenting, education, and advocacy in general.

*There are currently no jobs for with CDF that are in my field of interest.



 

The National Association for Educating Young Children (NAEYC) is a household name in my experience.  Having learned of and received instruction from facilitators from this organization, I understand and appreciate the goal they have for young children.  It is no mystery why Walden has opted to establish a relationship with NAEYC; to be a vehicle for change in the world of early childhood development.

*There are currently no jobs with NAEYC that are in my field of interest.




As a member if the National Head Start Association , I have access to great professional development opportunities.  Taken directly from the website NHSA:

“Our vision is
 

To lead.

To be the untiring voice that will not be quiet until every vulnerable child is served with the Head Start model of support for the whole child, the family and the community.
To advocate.
To work diligently for policy and institutional changes that ensure all vulnerable children and families have what they need to succeed.” (NHSA, 2012).
 

Head Start Lead Teacher

Head Start Lead Teacher
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE: Associate or Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education required. Candidate must have good verbal and written skills and knowledge of working with pre-school age children 3-5 years in an urban setting. Bilingual skills in Spanish or French a plus! Create and maintain a physical environment conducive to promoting optimal growth and development via positive social interaction of pre-school children including eating with children. Develop and implement developmentally appropriate instructional programs to encourage parental involvement and knowledge base as their child's primary source of affection, care and learning. Participate in transition process for children and families. Coordinate with Admissions Coordinator, child abuse program requirements, as well as, schedule and document parent-teacher conferences and home visits. Plan and implement daily developmental learning models for pre-school age children which provides for cultural, social economic backgrounds, emotional or physical disabilities, and individual style and pace of learning. Implement IEP's for all children including those with diagnosed disabilities.

6 comments:

  1. Hi Kali,
    I love the Children's Defense Fund too. It is one of the resources I look at first especially because they have so much related to health. The NAEYC is another one I often refer to. When I struggle with a situation or need to cite a reason for doing something, I look at their Code of Ethics. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Thank you Susan!

      I love Mariam Wright-Edelman. She is a true pioneer in child advocacy. And NAEYC is one of those resources that never lets you down...

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  2. I also find myself looking at the information listed on the NAEYC site quite a bit. I believe they are at the forefront of research involving young children and how to best meet their needs, and I believe in their message.

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    1. Thank you for posting Kristina!

      I also appreciate the constant updates they send via email. I always feel informed.

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  3. Kali,

    I also believe that NAEYC is one of the best resources available. Their self-study tools are great and very helpful. I love their standards and think that programs who are accredited with them provide a great quality. Thanks for sharing your thoughts this week.

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  4. Kali,

    After reading the description for the Head Start Lead Teacher position, I regret not getting an early childhood education degree for my undergrad. The options in the early childhood field seem so limited for me with a non-education degree. So, do you think you will pursue this particular job in the future? Best of luck to you!

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