Job/Roles in ECE Community: National/Federal

The Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning

(CASTL)

http://curry.virginia.edu/research/centers/castl/news

The mission of this organization, located at the University of Virginia, is to advance the quality and impact of teaching through scientific study in educational settings from infancy to higher education.

I chose this particular organization because its aim is to transform education through scientific collaborations that integrate different perspectives and disciplines. The scientific collaborations develop and redefine tools that are used directly to improve teaching and strengthening learning across the United States.

CASTL researchers has just received 1.5 million grant to support teachers of toddlers to develop a six month online course for teachers working with toddlers. The online course will provide early care teachers with targeted strategies and resources that balance between the classroom and individual children. One of the major requirements is that teachers know how important language development is in supporting children development.

Center for the Child Care Workforce

(CCW)

http://www.ccw.org/

The mission of the CCW is to improve the quality of early care and education for all children by promoting policy, research and organizing that ensure the early care and education workforce is well educated, receives better compensation and a voice in their work place.

The CCW offer training classes such as,

Leadership Empowerment Action Project (LEAP)

 Taking on Turnover

  Creating Better Child Care Jobs

  Lifting the Lid on Child Care Wages

 Getting Training in Your Community

I would be interested in teaching the class “Taking on Turnover”. This class teaches strategies that would eliminate high turnover in early child care. The course explores how to make child care centers a place where co-workers can grow and develop as practitioners while providing the best possible stability and continuity for children and families.

I chose this organization because it addresses teacher’s needs and concerns and I believe that teachers who are satisfied in their jobs provide quality educations to their students. Teachers are valuable and they must be treated accordingly.

Voices for Georgia’s Children

http://georgiavoices.org/

The mission of the Voices for Georgia’s Children is to be a powerful, unifying voice for a public agenda that ensures the well-being of all of Georgia’s children. Voices for Georgia’s Children is a nonprofit child policy and advocacy organization that envisions a Georgia where children are safe, healthy, educated, employable, and connected to their family and community.

I chose this organization because it addresses laws that affect children. For example, currently, Voices for Georgia’s Children is advocating for the Farm Bill. Voices is asking Georgia members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to preserve current funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Farm Bill guides funding for federal farm and food policies. This includes the Food Stamp/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).  SNAP includes assistance for struggling families and funding for free and reduced school meals for children in need.

I would like to work for this organization because it informs parents and community members how to advocate for children rights.

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community:

 Local and State Levels

Place of Employment: Richmond County Board of Education 

   (My Local Board of Education)

Position: Title I Parent Facilitator

The mission of Title I

To ensure that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education. Title I provides technical assistance, resources, and program monitoring of the Richmond County School System's Title I schools to ensure that all children have an opportunity to obtain a high quality education and to achieve proficiency on high academic standards.

Skills Required

Applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in written and verbal communication skills; be self-motivated, work comfortably with school staff, parents, and the community. Knowledge of use of technology is required. Working knowledge of the No Child Left Behind Act’s policies, procedures, and regulations is preferred. Applicant must hold a B.A. or B.S. degree in a field related to education, sociology, community relations, parenting or related field is required. Experience in motivating parents and community relations is preferred.

Why I’m Interested in This Position

I chose this job because its focus is to encourage and foster family engagement through such things as empowering parents by giving them the capacity to be involved in the education of their children and establishing a resources center to be used by teachers, students and parents.

Place of Employment: National PTA

Position: State Liaison

The mission of National PTA

The overall purpose of PTA is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

Skills Required

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required. Minimum 3 years’ experience working with volunteers for a membership organization is required. State, regional, district, council and/or local PTA experience is preferred. Exceptional Customer Service skills are required, follow-through is critical to success. Exceptional organizational and administrative skills are required.  Must be able to manage multiple inquiries and tasks simultaneously. Detail-oriented, ability to make deadline. Comprehensive understanding of volunteer organizations is needed. Knowledge and understanding of PTA organizational culture and the benefits of PTA is preferred. Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office, preferably in a PC, Windows-based operating environment. Knowledge of issues in the areas of education, children, and parent/family involvement is desired.

Why I’m Interested in This Position

I’m interested in this position because it facilitates the local PTA.  A person in this position insures that PTA organizations at the local level are kept current on all beneficial resources that will enhance or foster parent engagement and academic success. A person in this position is the life line to the local PTA. The person in this position is actually an advocate for children.

Place of Employment: Aiken Technical College

Position: Early Childhood Adjunct Instructor

The mission of Aiken Technical College

To provide citizens of greater Aiken County opportunities for educational, economic, professional, social and personal development. The College educates and trains students to provide an effective work force to support economic growth and community development through its focus on teaching and service.

Skills Required

Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a Master’s Degree with 18 graduate semester hours in Early Childhood Education required. Knowledge of Developmentally Appropriate Practices and their appropriate application to the early care and education classroom environment is preferred.

Why am I  interested in this position

I’m interested in this position because it will allow me to prepare future early childhood educators with the cutting edge researched based knowledge I’ve acquired while at Walden University. This position would also help me influence and impact more children positively than I would have by being in the early childhood classroom.