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

This week I focused on national/federal level job opportunities that appeal to me as I complete my journey for Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. 

National Head Start Association (NHSA) (https://www.nhsa.org)

NHSA appeals to me because I have a desire to move into the Head Start environment with my degree. Head Start has touched the lives of over 32 million children since the program began in 50 years ago. The program offers a “unique whole child/whole family program design coupled with a delivery system that includes local programs, national standards, monitoring, professional development, and family engagement (National Head Start Association, 2015).

Job Opportunity – Head Start Center Based Coordinator – Suffolk, VA

Skills and Experience

The position requires the coordinator to have a minimum Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and obtain a CPR and First Aid Certification. In addition, the position requires that candidate be able to work and communicate with ethnically diverse families as well as demonstrate leadership skill. Also, the position requires that the candidate be able to create relationships with families, professionals, and the community.

National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)  (http://www.necpa.net/index.php)

NECPA is an accreditation program for early childhood centers. The program established a set of principle to guide their program. The principles are integrity, the pursuit of excellence, responsibility, reliability, and commitments (National Early Childhood Program Accreditation, 2015). This program appeals to me because I would like to make a difference in a center. I want to see centers strive for accreditation and provide high-quality education for all children.

Job Opportunity – NECPA Certified Verifier Team – locations vary

Skills and Experience

The position does not list academic requirements for the position. The candidate for the position is responsible for observing, collecting, and documenting early childhood centers for the program high quality standards. The candidate must be able to work in a team environment and travel is necessary for this position.

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) (www.naeyc.org)

NAEYC is a professional organization that is dedicated to promoting high-quality early childhood education for all young children. NAEYC offers accreditation for early childhood centers and professional development for early childhood professional. If I move back to Washington, DC, I would love to pursue a career at NAEYC. I appreciate their commitment to young children and the early childhood field.

Job Opportunity – Early Learning Systems Specialist, Public Policy and Advocacy - Washington, DC

Skills and Experience

This position includes project management, policy research, implementing NAEYC’s advocacy activation, and provides policy/advocacy technical assistance for NAEYC affiliates. The position requires a minimum Bachelor’s degree and policy and advocacy experience. The position requires that the candidate has knowledge of early childhood policy content as well as strong communication skills with an emphasis on concise policy-oriented writing.