Exploring Roles in the ECE Community

National Organizations

One professional organization that I chose was the National Association for the Education of Young Children. I chose this organization because they work with early childhood programs to help them provide high-quality education to young children. I think that they are very committed to improving the quality of early childhood, and they work towards improving laws and regulation concerning early childhood.

The second organization that I chose was the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators. I chose this organization because, as stated on their website that one of their purposes is to, “provide a forum for consideration of issues and concerns of interest to educators of early childhood teacher educators” (Purpose, 2014, p. 1). I think that it is important that teachers participate regularly in their professional development. There is always new information and research on early childhood, and it is important that teachers stay abreast of current news.

The third organization that I chose was the Association for Childhood Education International. I chose this organization because as stated in the mission statement, “our mission is to support the optimal education, development, and well-being of children worldwide” (acei.org, 2014, p.1). This organization works for the rights of children and their families. They not only work with organizations and early childhood programs, they work with families.

 

Job Opportunities

1.      Early Childhood Education Coordinator- Job qualifications-must have a B.A. or B.S., preferably in education, child development or a related field; experience with the NAEYC early childhood education accreditation system and 5-7 years experience in the field.

2.      Director, Child Development Laboratory Center- Job qualifications- MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s Degree in Family Services, Child Development, Early Childhood Education or related discipline. Ability to obtain or currently possess a Program Director Credential preferred.

3.       Adjunct Early Childhood Instructor- Job qualifications-Master's degree in a field related to the classes to be taught. Two years experience in instruction or formalized education process, preferably in a post-secondary or college institution. Membership in a professional association tied to area of instruction preferred.

Skills:

·    Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to build successful relationships with student populations.

·    Outstanding conflict resolution skills.

·    Demonstrated time management and detail-oriented skills

·    Computer based skills (i.e., software, analytical, and report writing skills )

Abilities:

·    Ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet frequently occurring deadlines.

·    Ability to develop a professional rapport with diverse school/campus constituents.

·    Ability to develop and complete projects without continued direct supervision

·    Ability to learn from students' participation, demonstrates fair and consistent behavior in all matters, and shows compassion without being ineffectual.

References:

Association for Childhood Education International. (2014). Our Mission, Retrieved online from, http://www.acei.org/

 National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators . (2014). Purpose. Retrieved online from, http://www.naecte.org/

 

 

 

 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Throughout my learning experiences I have constantly been reminded of the importance of belonging to some type of professional organization. As I continue to learn and grow I have identified several organizations that will help me in my early childhood career. One of the organizations that I find to be interesting is the Georgia Association for the Education of Young Children. This organization is of interest to me because it has a wide variety of information on Early Childcare and it helps teachers, students, professionals stay abreast of the latest information and research in early childhood. It also provides help to organizations who are striving to become schools of excellence.

Another organization that I chose was a group called Leadership Taylor, here in my community. This organization interests me because it works with anyone in the community who wishes to know important things about the community. The organization is focused on people learning their community and how things work within the community at the leadership level. Anyone can join and it helps to build your self-esteem and prepares you to take on leadership roles within the community. This is important because I have watched so many people grow and become leaders in the community.

The third organization that I chose was the Georgia Head Start Organization. I chose this organization because I am a Head Start teacher, and this organization is geared toward the advancement of Head Start programs. They have a wide variety of information available on the website and it helps teachers with carrying out the performance standards that are set for Head Start Centers.

In conclusion, there are many jobs that I have thought about, but the ones that interest me the most are; Early Childhood Instructor, and Head Start Director. These jobs interest me because I have been working in the classroom directly with children for a long time now, and I feel that I have a lot of experience and learning that I want to help others who wish to work in the classroom with young children. In order for me to obtain one of these positions I have to have at least a masters Degree, while some colleges prefers a Doctorate.  It is a passion of mine to help others who are striving to become early childhood teachers. I feel as though I have a lot to offer, and I know firsthand the importance of having highly qualified teachers in the classrooms.