Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

The three local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me are:

1.      Head Start Programs:  An office of the Administration for Children and Families Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge  Center (ECLKC).  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ohs

a.       Head Start Programs appeal to me because they work really hard to create an environment that is supportive of each child and their family.  The centers are very diverse and they pride themselves in hosting instructors that speak many different languages and come from various cultural backgrounds.  They believe that together they can strengthen individuals, communities, programs, and nation.

b.      Job opportunity:  I would like to become a Head Start Program in the community.

c.       Requirements: Eligible Applicants

All entities that are eligible to apply for Early Head Start grants are also eligible to apply for EHS-CCP grants, including:

• Current Head Start or Early Head Start grantees

• Independent school districts

• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

• Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities

• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

• Private institutions of higher education

• For-profit organizations

• Small businesses

• State governments

• County governments

• City or township governments

2.      Association for Childhood Education International  http://www.acei.org/

a.       Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) is a501c-3 organization that believes that every school should provide and education that is enriched with equality and fairness.  Their approach to education is to enhance a child’s individual skill set and ability to ensure that the opportunity for success is obtainable for all children.

b.      Job opportunity:  Early Learning & Teacher Education, Tenure-Track Full-Time Faculty #015141

Requirements:  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, Child and Family Studies, or related field from an accredited institution
• 3 to 5 years of experience in early childhood education, working with children and families in an educational setting
• Ability to foster a positive and caring learning environment
• Ability to teach a diverse population of student and advocate for pluralism
• Ability to establish inclusive relationship with students, staff, and faculty of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• College-level teaching experience in early childhood education and other education courses
• Previous work experience requiring knowledge and familiarity with current theories, research, and practice in early childhood education
• Experience in providing training and mentoring to teachers in early education settings
• Ability to collaborate with child care centers, schools, and school districts for students' practicum placements and to supervise clinical lab placements
• Ability to use a variety of instructional modalities, including hybrid and online instruction
• Previous experience in grant development and management
• Previous experience that demonstrates strong commitment to student success, equity, and access
• Able to organize and implement personal and professional developments as necessary
• Effective communication and listening skills; be effective team player and leader
• Ability to establish and promote collaborative relationships within the BC community and the community at large

3.      Porter Leath  http://www.porterleath.org/about-us

a.       Through a variety of programs, Porter Leath, helps children and families to develop and achieve a healthy and independent lifestyle.  Their programs include:  Cornerstone, Preschool, Connections, Generations, and Spoonfuls.

b.      Job opportunities:  Unfortunately there was only one job listed as a current career opportunity.  The posting was for a Family Service Worker – Bilingual.  I do not have an interest in the position.  I would love to be a lead or director of one of the programs that they have to offer.

c.  NA