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

As I explored national organizations and federal agencies, I have selected three organizations at national level that appeal to me:

1. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) 

https://www.naeyc.org/

NAEYC is a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children. The association comprises nearly 60,000 individual members of the early childhood community and 52 Affiliates, all committed to delivering on the promise of high-quality early learning. Together, we work to achieve a collective vision: that all young children thrive and learn in a society dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential.

JOB: Assistant Director, Federal Relations

The Assistant Director of Federal Policy manages NAEYC's presence and influence in early childhood federal policy and advocacy. As part of the Policy and Professional Advancement team, and with support from the Managing Director and colleagues, this individual will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of a non-partisan, federally-facing strategy rooted in the diverse voices, experience, and expertise of the early childhood education field. The work includes creating partnerships and leading the day-to-day activities required to advance NAEYC's vision and goals, and ensure the organization is recognized as a thought and policy leader on early childhood education and the early childhood profession.

Desired Qualifications: 

Baccalaureate degree required, preferred concentration or advanced degree in public policy, public administration, early childhood education, or a related field. Minimum of five years of experience working in at least one of the following contexts: Capitol Hill; federal agency; state legislature; and/or with a policy/advocacy organization specifically working on early childhood education, higher education, and/or workforce development policy. Excellent written and oral communication skills, particularly related to communication of the complex policy to lay audiences, including writing for multiple platforms and audiences, and with very strong presentation skills and competencies. Demonstrated track record in working with diverse coalitions and constituencies Must be able to explain the commitment to and experience with work to advance equity in early childhood education. This position requires travel and is considered nonessential.

2. Head Start programs 

https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/

The Office of Head Start (OHS) helps young children from low-income families prepare to succeed in school through local programs. Head Start and Early Head Start programs promote children's development through services that support early learning, health, and family well-being. Head Start programs promote the school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children from low-income families. Services are provided in a variety of settings including centers, family child care, and children’s own home. Head Start programs also engage parents or other key family members in positive relationships, with a focus on family wellbeing. Parents participate in leadership roles, including having a say in program operations.

JOB: Child Development Center Manager

The Child Development Center (CDC, “the Center”) Manager provides strategic, inclusive, and ethical leadership in alignment with the university, division, and departmental values, mission, and goals. As the Manager, you are responsible for developing and managing a service-oriented program that holistically supports faculty, staff, and student parents, and families by striving to maintain affordability and access to quality early childhood education with a spirit of positive collaboration.

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, or relevant field. Progressively responsible managerial or leadership experience within a child care program. Knowledge of current early childhood theories and research. Meet State Dept. of Early Learning Director requirements (45 college credits in ECE)-see WAC code 170- 295 for reference Washington STARTS certified within 6 months from date of hire. Experience in budget development, monitoring, forecasting, analysis, and related computer applications. Experience in the development of programming, development of systems, policies, and procedures. Experience and/or familiarity with payroll, USDA guidelines, WAC codes, and Washington State guidelines as relates to childcare facilities. Demonstrated commitment to promoting and enhancing access, diversity, equity, and inclusion. An appreciation for the benefits of a diverse workplace. Demonstrated understanding of the needs of underrepresented and marginalized populations. Ability to work in a high paced multi-function environment Experience with a systems suite such as MS Office: Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams

3. Kids Included Together (KIT)

https://www.kit.org/

KIT strives to help the world see the ability in every child. Our organization helps others meaningfully include kids with disabilities through inclusion training, policy development and sharing our best practices information and research. By creating inclusive environments where no child is excluded, everyone benefits. Watch our video to see how inclusion makes all children better. Learn how to meaningfully include children with disabilities online, on your own time. KIT Academy includes all of our best-in-class inclusion training and resources. With eModules, How-to videos, monthly live webinars, hundreds of archived webinars, and printable resources, you’ll find the right training for your inclusion needs. Topics include inclusion basics, understanding the laws supporting inclusion, autism, ADHD, challenging or aggressive behaviors, communicating with families, and much more.

JOB: Education & Training Specialist

Successful completion of an undergraduate Degree that included or was supplemented by major study (at least 24 semester hours) in child development or early childhood education, or other fields appropriate to the position to be filled consistent with: For positions in CDC, FCC or CLEOS an undergraduate degree with a major course of study in Early Childhood Education/Child Development or Elementary Education is required. OR Combination of education and experience as follows: Successful completion of at least 24 semester hours in a major course of study in an appropriate CYS field commensurate with the program assigned as indicated above, plus appropriate work experience that provided knowledge skills and abilities directly related to the duties described in the fields appropriate to the position. Appropriate experience and course work must be comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the four-year course of study described above.