Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

This week I focused on local or state organization that appeal to me as I complete my journey for Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

Smart Beginnings for the Virginia Peninsula

The Smart Beginnings program has had a great impact on early childhood programs. The program focuses on prevention services for high risk pregnant women and high quality child care for working, low-income families.

On the Virginia peninsula, the organization partners with local OB/Gyn offices and local hospitals to identify at risk families. In addition, Smart Beginnings works to increase the quality of education for low-income families. The program provides emotional support, social screening, one-on-one mentoring, and training for edcuators on how to deal with challenging behaviors

Job Opportunities:

The current opportunities are infant/toddler teachers for early Head Start. The positions are entry level and require a minimum of an AA degree or an Infant/Toddler CDA with 3 years of experience is required. The ideal candidate will have experience working specifically with infants and toddlers, have a strong knowledge of infant and toddler development, and demonstrate a commitment to quality, family-centered, inclusive child care services. Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, NAEYC requirements, and/or bilingual Spanish speaking is a strong plus for candidates. 

Hampton University Early Childhood Program

This program provides an opportunity to work with young children with a diverse population of families. The families using the program can range from students, educators, and members of the community. I am interested in reaching out to learn about this program so I am become familiar with my surrounding community.

Job Opportunities:

Child Development Center Director

•    The qualifications for the position include:

•     Masters degree in early childhood or an equivalent field for this position;

•    Previous management experience as a director or assistant director of an early childhood education program;

•    Demonstrated experience in obtaining and maintaining state licensing for regulated childcare and/or NAEYC Accreditation;

•    Evidence of professional strengths in the education of children from diverse, multicultural, multilingual, and at-risk backgrounds (including students with disabilities); and

•    Knowledge and success in working with parents, families, and the community in early childhood and early childhood education

Training and Curriculum Specialist for the Air Force

This position allows me to train and develop new teachers for the early childhood program.  The trainer has many other duties too. The trainer assists the Child Development Center (CDC) Director and FCC Monitor(s) to encourage providers to become accredited. In addition, the trainer develops working relationship with local colleges, universities and professional organizations and advises employees / providers about continuing avenues of professional development. The trainer encourages and supports pursuit of continuing higher education of employees and providers and provides information about the Child Development Association (CDA), the Military School-Age Credential (MSA) and higher-level education opportunities. 

Job Opportunities:

Unfortunately, there are no positions close to my general area at this time. I plan to keep updated on postings and apply when one does open.

However, the minimum requirement for the is position is a four year degree and as well as four years of experience