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

As I strive to work towards building equity in the field of early childhood, I will look to include national and federal organization that focus on improving EC programming options. Among these organizations are the Association for Early Learning Leaders the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators, and the National Black Child Development Institute.

According to their website, the Association for Early Learning Leaders serves directors and administrators of early care and education programs by working to enhance their knowledge and skills relating to the field of ECE.  Through their commitment to help develop leaders in the field, they work to improve the quality of early childhood programming. The organization serves networking and collaborating purposes by promoting significant collaborative efforts among its members, other professionals, and other organization. They also offer education and training through professional development opportunities that are designed to strengthen the leadership skills of administrators, which they believe will enhance the quality of early learning programs. The organization also provides quality resources that offer insights regarding the field.

The National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators is also focused on the professional growth of those serving in the field. Based on topical issues and concerns, the organization works to enhance early childhood faculty research and development as a means to advocate for the improvement of early childhood programming. Through the use of various resources, the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators provides a forum for its members to discuss current issues and trends in the field. According to their website, they also recognize the importance of collaboration and regularly look to work alongside other early childhood professional organizations.

The National Black Child Development Institute is also determined to build towards equity in early childhood education and care. The NBCDI is focused on generating positive developmental growth for children who are either living in poverty or facing racial discrimination, or both. According to the organization's website, this battle for equity is challenging and complex. I feel that advocacy groups such as these play highly important roles in calling attention to the inequities that exist within EC programming. I feel that collaboration between these three groups would greatly benefit the field as they could work together to improve programming to meet the needs of all children and families.

A potential job opportunity at the national/federal level within the ECE community that stands out to me is Deputy Executive Director of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Although these positions are currently held by two individuals with extensive knowledge and long histories in the field, this would be a great job to strive for.  Responsibilities include administering systems that set and monitor standards of quality for early childhood programming at sites responsible for teaching young children and at colleges and universities responsible for  teacher preparation as well. The experience needed to be qualified for such a position include authoring significant publications related to the field, a doctorate in early childhood or human development, an administrative credential, experiences in administration, and experience teaching in early childhood and college/university classrooms. To become qualified for such a position would likely take years or even decades, but I believe it is a great position to strive for for those who wish to make a difference at the systemic level.   

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

When considering state and national organizations that were particularly appealing to me, I considered the mission and values held by each organization.  Three that stood out as particularly attractive were The California Association for the Education of Young Children, The California Early Childhood Mentor Program, and the Children's Movement of California.  

According to their website, The California Association for the Education of Young Children (CAEFC) is dedicated to professionalizing and enhancing the field of early childhood. The organization emphasizes the need for “developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive, high-quality, early care and education for all young children.” CAEFC suggests that this can best be achieved through research, education, professional development and advocacy (http://caeyc.org/). Because of my interest in enhancing teacher preparation to ensure all children receive high-quality programming, this organization appeals to me.

The California Early Childhood Mentor Program provides “resources and support to aspiring and experienced teachers and administrators in programs serving children birth to five” (http://www.ecementor.org/). Considering the many skillful veteran early childhood teachers and administrators involved in the field, I believe new teachers would benefit greatly by learning from those with vast knowledge and experience in the field. This type of collaboration would likely serve as an effective approach to advancing the field of ECE.

The Children Now organization works to find harmony between “influential opinion leaders, interest groups and policymakers,” because each of these components is vital to initiating change and driving social initiatives (http://www.childrennow.org/). With the objective of generating “socially innovative, “win-win” approaches to helping all children achieve their full potential,” Children Now appears to be a major supporter of the battle of equity within the field, and they are supporting the California Children's Movement (http://www.childrennow.org/). Their approach to this movement considers both the health and education of California's young children, following what they call a proven and unique approach.  They first identify an issue and analyze the causes, followed by the production of stimuli such as research reports or policy briefs to highlight the issue before finally targeting the groups and individuals who can produce real change (http://www.childrennow.org/). This group understands the importance of the field of early childhood and their commitment to children bodes well for influencing policy.

Within the field of early childhood, there are also several potential jobs that are of great interest to me. One job that I am particularly interested in is Child Development Instructor at the community college level. The skills and experience needed to do this job include experience as an early childhood teacher, a Master’s or Doctorate in the field of early childhood, expertise in child development, and an ability to instruct diverse learners.

Another job that interests me is Early Childhood Site Director. I feel that this would provide an excellent forum from which to serve the field of early childhood as I could work with other early childhood professionals to create high-quality programming. To do this job, I would need more managerial experience, courses in administration, experience as an early childhood teacher, a Master’s or Doctorate in the field of early childhood, and an ability to work with a diverse group of staff and children. When I complete my Master’s, I will be applying for such positions.