Archives for the month of: November, 2014

international This week, we were ask to explore careers within International agencies. While all of the agencies I explored were international, some of the careers that sparked an interest were located within the United States. As an early childhood professional, the passion that I have for families and children is deep and I know that the knowledge and skillset that I have gained will be beneficial.

The International Step by Step Association (ISSA) is a membership association that connects professionals and organizations from close to 40 countries – primarily in Central/Eastern Europe and Central Asia – working in the field of early childhood development and education.

THE POSITION

Communications Officer

Location: ISSA’s office in Leiden/The Netherlands

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for the public relations aspect within an organization. Builds and sustains a company’s reputation for quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Writes and delivers press releases and handles all communication sent to the public. Must be capable of dealing with high workloads. Must be a strong team player with a proven interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multi-cultural environment. Possess the ability to work independently and have a strong commitment to ISSA’s values. Degree required in communications or other related field.

I enjoy interacting with others and I believe that as a communications officer, I will have the ability to educate others and provide support in a positive manner to within an agency that holds the best interest of ECE. This position would allow me to be an effect social change agent.

http://www.issa.nl/

Save the Children

THE POSITION

PROGRAM SPECIALIST EARLY CHILDHOOD

Location:  Flagstaff, AZ

KEY RESPONSIBIITIES

The Program Specialist is the on-the-ground Save the Children staff member providing training, technical assistance, and management support to program partners to ensure quality program implementation and results for children. Early Childhood Program Specialists focus on prenatal through age five. Under the supervision of the Deputy Program Director and working as a member of the state team and in collaboration with the national program team, the Program Specialist oversees and supports program implementation, monitoring, and evaluation at assigned partner sites. Specific duties and responsibilities are outlined below. Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development or related field with at least three years’ relevant experience in the area of infant/toddler development. A Master’s degree is preferred. Experience as a trainer/mentor/coach.

https://secure.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

Building support and enhancing lives would be major aspects of this position and those aspects fall in-line with my passion for children and positive change.

THE POSITION

PROJECT MANAGER EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Location:  REGION XI US-DC-WASHINGTON

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in Health, Education, Nutrition, Environment, Economic Development, Civil Society, Gender, Youth, Research and Technology; creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries, all 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Bachelor’s Degree or its International Equivalent – Knowledge/Information Services, Communications, Education, Environment, Health, Behavioral, Life/Social Sciences International Development, Human Development or Related Field. Previous managerial experience preferred. Articulate, professional and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients and staff.

http://www.fhi360.org/

Working for a non-profit agency is very beneficial. I this position as a project manager, I will have the opportunity to showcase the talents I have gained at Walden University. Additionally, it will give me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many families.

References

Family Health International. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.fhi360.org/

International Step By Step Association. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.issa.nl/index.html

Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

This week we were asked to explore three National/Federal level careers. I explored several options and the following stood out to me:

ZERO TO THREE

Project Director

The Project Director of the National Center for EHS-CC Partnerships is responsible for overseeing and directing the NCEHSCCP’s knowledge/resource development and management and training and technical assistance (T/TA) components and teams. The Project Director: provides leadership and direction for staff and partner organizations to successfully implement Center objectives and achieve expected outcomes; serves as the key representative for the Center with OHS, OCC and partner organizations; leads the project leadership team, including partner organizations; and ensures collaboration with Office of Head Start (OHS) and Office of Child Care (OCC) T/TA systems.

http://www.zerotothree.org/about-us/careers/careers.html

NAEYC

Early Childhood Research Director

Currently has a position in San Antonio, TX working for Pearson.

Pearson is well-known in the education field and is committed to a world that’s always learning and to our talented team who makes it all possible.

The Early Childhood Research Director is responsible for working with the Early Childhood Product Manager and the Vice President of the Early Childhood product portfolio to assist in determining when and how to develop new products and/or revise current products to best meet current market needs and legislative initiatives.

http://careerforum.naeyc.org/jobs/6616529/research-director-early-childhood

Department Of Health And Human Services

Administration for Children and Families

Senior Policy Analyst

The incumbent serves as a special advisor on early childhood and other ACF issues for the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Early Childhood Development. Reviews and analyzes Federal, State, and local information, such as: State plans, annual program performance reports, financial reports, and applications for program funding. Advises the DAS on early childhood issues concerning the Race to the Top — Early Learning Challenge Program (RTT-ELC), the Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships, early childhood workforce efforts, and the Early Childhood Homelessness initiative. Coordinates work on the RTT-ELC Program and carries out related responsibilities and tasks, as identified. Participates in the review and monitoring of state grantees; develops, implements and tracks strategies to ensure State compliance with grant requirements. Co-leads high level aspects of the RTT-ELC program especially the reform areas having to do with the early childhood workforce and quality rating and improvement systems. Oversees early childhood development communications. Analyzes and interprets data pertaining to various early childhood topics and proposes policy solutions; analyzes relevant legislation, and assists with inter- and intra- departmental initiatives, workgroups and conferences. Assesses strategic opportunities and prepares materials to guide the development of policy, prepares correspondence and strategic responses to challenging inquiries; crafts talking points, testimony, reports, and other documents.

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/384745000

This week we were ask to identify there or more organizations or communities of practice and why they appealed to us. There are various organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me, they include:

  • MIAEYC -The Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children is committed to improving the education and welfare of children from birth through age eight. MiAEYC works for young children, their families, and early childhood professionals. MiAEYC supports the professional development of its members through quality training, materials and services. Almost 3,000 early childhood educators and suppliers of children’s services belong to MiAEYC in 16 affiliate chapters and 3 local chapters. Retrieved from http://www.miaeyc.org/
  • I chose this agency because it provides a wealth of information, outreach and educational resources that enhance the lives of children and families.
  • Early-On- Early On Michigan offers early intervention services for infants and toddlers, birth to three years of age, with developmental delay(s) and/or disabilities, and their families. Research has shown that by addressing delays early on – especially between birth and age 3 – we can more effectively impact a child’s development, even into adulthood. Retrieved from https://www.1800earlyon.org/index.php
  • I chose this agency because I believe in the foundation it stands for. Providing intervention services at the earliest possible stage of life.
  • Detroit Parent Network– Detroit Parent Network is a premier parent organization that transforms parents to make Detroit a better place to raise and educate our children. Empowering parents to advocate for their children! Retrieved from http://www.detroitparentnetwork.org/
  • I chose Detroit Parent Network because it empowers parents through workshops and training so that they can be better advocates for their children and ensure quality education.
  • Easter Seals of SE Michigan– Easter Seals Michigan serves and supports people with disabilities or special needs and their families so they can successfully live, learn, work and play in their communities. Stay connected! Sign up to receive news and special announcements.I chose Easter Seals because it is a nationally recognized agency that provides assistant to families and children with varying abilities to help them sustain a better quality of life.
  • Retrieved from http://www.easterseals.com/michigan/

Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest me:

The Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children is expanding the office! We are hiring an Institutes of Higher Education Liaison.

Title T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® MICHIGAN Institutes of Higher Education (IHE) Liaison

Division T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® MICHIGAN

Position Type Employee, full-time, non-exempt

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Child Development, Higher Education Administration or related human services field.  (Master’s degree preferred).
  • Knowledge of NAEYC Early Childhood Associate Degree Accreditation preferred.
  • Two years of related experience and/or training.
  • Competence with computer technology, word processing, spreadsheet and database software (preferably FileMaker Pro).
  • Excellent interpersonal, networking, and organizational skills.
  • Excellent oral communication skills including the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
  • Excellent written communication skills including reports and business correspondence.
  • Ability to work with diverse individuals and organizations.
  • Prior to employment, candidate must pass an employment test and drug screening test, and undergo a reference and security check.

Job Title: Education Consultant

Job Type: Permanent Full Time

Bargaining Unit: UNITED AUTO WORKERS (UAW)

Location: Lansing, Michigan

Department: Education

Education

Possession of a master’s degree in a field of education.

Experience

Education Consultant 12

One year of administrative or consultative experience in the field of K-12 or early childhood education.

Education Consultant P13

Two years of administrative or consultative experience in the field of K-12 or early childhood education, including one year equivalent to an Education Consultant 12.

Alternate Education and Experience:

Education Consultant 12

Five years of teaching experience may be substituted for the experience requirement.

Education Consultant 12 and P13

Possession of a bachelor’s degree with a major in education combined with a master’s degree in a subject area may be substituted for the education requirement.

Retrieved from http://agency.governmentjobs.com/michigan/default.cfm?&promotionaljobs=0&transfer=0