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

Last time we blogged, we looked at State and local organizations, this week we are researching National and Federal employment opportunities. The three organizations that are of interest to me in the early childhood field are, National Child Care Association, Center for Child Care Workforce (CCW) and, National association for the education of young children (NAEYC). 

The National child care of Association (NCCA) is an organization with our nation’s children at heart; the NCCA supports policies that are beneficial to children and always seek to find out if policy or regulation is good for our children (National Child Care Association, n.d.). That is why I chose them, and the fact that they stand behind educators; “NCCA is committed to a high quality, skilled, and trained work force with the highest salaries and benefits based upon the free market place, demographics and competition”(National Child Care Association, n.d.). I really do believe that we are better off because of them.

The Center for Child Care Workforce (CCW) mission is to ensure that all children receive quality early care and education by promoting policy, research and making sure that the professionals and caregivers in early care and education are highly educated, receives appropriate salary and benefits and are heard in their workplace. They see to leadership and advocacy skills development so that there is respect and value to those in the work force (Center for Child Care Workforce, n.d.) I chose the CCW because I see it as an organization that stands for the welfare of children and the empowerment of early childhood professionals by building their leadership and other necessary skills.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional membership organization whose major goal is to promote high-quality early education for all children, birth through age 8. They do this by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research. They embrace a diverse and vibrant early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children ((NAEYC, n.d.). I chose them because I see where they bring about the needed change in the lives of children and families, and those who dedicate their lives to serving in the field.

Upon earning my degree I would like to pursue employment for jobs such as:

Director of an early childhood program

Family/ classroom counselor

Family and community liaison personnel

These jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree with skills ranging from: knowledge of early childhood field, leadership/ management skills, experience working with young children, experience working with diverse population, computer skills, excellent communication skills, knowledge of early childhood codes and regulations, and strong knowledge of code of ethics and behavioral standards.

References

Center for Child Care Workforce. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.ccw.org/

National Child Care Association. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.nccanet.org/

National Association for the Education of Young Children. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.naeyc.org/