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

There are many organizations I would be honored to be a part of.  Each organization focuses on the importance of early childhood and advocating for this field.  These organizations provide an current information as well as ways to get involved. 

The National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education advocates for the involvement for parents and families in their child's education.  This organization recognizes the importance of involvement at home as well as school.  There is at one parent corner in each state.  In Michigan it is called the Michigan Alliance for Families located in Detroit.  There were no job opportunities listed at this time, however there were many opportunities to be involved in this organization. 

The National Center for Children in Poverty promotes the economic security, health and well-being of low incomes families and children.  They all promote family oriented solutions at the state and national levels. There are no job opportunities at this time. 

WINGS is an education program that teaches kids how to make good decisions and build healthy relationships.  They use a comprehensive social and emotional curriculum into an after school program.  There are no job opportunities at this time, however there are volunteer opportunities available. 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

I found many jobs available in my area that struck my passion in the early childhood field.  I feel that the Great Start of Michigan is one of the leading programs for young children.  Their mission is for all children in Michigan to be safe, healthy and eager to be successful in school.  Great Start currently has a position available as the Great Start to Quality Assessment Specialist.  Early Childhood Specialists would conduct assessments for preschool programs using the Preschool Quality Assessment tool.  I recently recieved my PQA certificate which is required for this position.  However, two years of experience conducting these assessments is also required.  This is the only requirement I would need to fullfill in order to be qualified for this position.

MI Headstart Association provides for the delivery of appropriate child development activities to infants, toddlers, pregnant women, and their families in a home-based early intervention program.  Headstart currently has a Early Headstart home visitor position available.  This position requires a BA degree in Early Childhood as well as experience in providing home visits.  I feel this position provides support to the family as a whole and would aid in the success of the child.

Many positions are available through local intermediate schools districts.  For example, Muskegon ISD has position of a Early Childhood Center Coordinator.  This position requires a BA degree or higher in the Early Childhood field as well as experience in preschool classrooms.  This is a high interest to me as it allows me to work within many schools in order to provide support in the early childhood field.

It is reassuring to know that there are a variety of positions available in the early childhood field that would allow me to advocate for families and grow within this field.  It is also reassuring to see the awareness of the need for these positions in the early childhood field.