Jobs in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

            This week I had the privilege of exploring job opportunities through early childhood advocacy organizations on a national level which supports my Capstone Project topic of inclusion. While I have never considered job opportunities outside of my state before, upon reflecting on the opportunities each of the organizations I found had available, it has sparked my interest in potential career options for my future.

Division of Early Childhood Education-Council for Exceptional Children

            The Division of Early Childhood Education was the first national organization which caught my attention. The mission of the Division of Early Childhood Education’s Council for Exceptional Children (2014) is “All Children Together” (p. 2). Working with this organization would be a dream of mine as they continually seek out opportunities to help not only the children in the early childhood field, but to provide further support and education to families, educators and the overall community.

            Current Position Opening: Professional Development Specialist

“The successful applicant will provide support for the professional development of kindergarten teachers as part of an educational intervention project to improve school readiness of disadvantaged children. He or she will also participate in research activities and receive training in the project’s specific coaching model in order to conduct classroom observations of teaching practices and curriculum implementation. Skills and experience needed include; experience working on early intervention projects, experience providing professional development to kindergarten teachers, experience teaching and implementing content-based curricula in early elementary school,  access and ability to transport self to school sites, knowledge of early childhood development and curriculum, ability to pass a criminal background check” (p. 6).

Zero to Three

Zero to Three is an organization comprised of individual policy makers who are passionate and focus on the advocacy of research-based information to be shared with as many people possible in regards to children’s learning and needs (Zero to Three, 2012). This organization interests me as they have as the individuals who work for the organization hold a wealth of knowledge and focus on spreading their knowledge of early childhood education through monthly publications. One focus area for this organization in early care and education where they focus on ensuring children reach their full developmental potentials within the early learning setting, which is my aim in ensuring my inclusive students are supported to reach these gains (Zero to Three, 2012).

Current Position Opening: Senior Training Specialist

“The Senior Training Specialist is responsible for contributing to the efforts of the EHS NRC to develop a comprehensive body of knowledge for the EHS and MSHS community by

organizing and enhancing the quality of EHS NRC training efforts. This position will provide a limited number of research based training through face-to-face venues, as well as distance venues (audio conferences, webinars and/or webcasts). This position will work closely with the Senior Training Coordinator to ensure quality across EHS NRC trainers by reviewing power point slides and other materials for consistency; organizing the electronic filing system for maintaining PowerPoint slides and training handouts, and creating training templates, utilizing previously developed PowerPoints and other materials. This position will serve as an integral part of the EHS NRC team, contributing to other duties as needed” (Zero to Three, 2012, p.1).

            Skills needed; Strong knowledge of early childhood development and early childhood systems; with a specific focus on infant and toddler development,  strong knowledge of Early Head Start program development, the Head Start Program Performance Standards, and EHS

technical assistance resources, excellent training skills and experience providing training to a variety of audiences, strong skills in the use of Microsoft Office products, strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks, strong oral skills, experience working in various databases, ability to work collaboratively with individuals representing a range of backgrounds and skill levels, ability to be flexible and adaptable to dynamic changes in the work environment, ability to work with a team as well as independently, and ability to travel” (Zero to Three, 2012, p.1).

National Institute for Early Childhood Research

            The National Institute for Early Childhood Research, specifically their Center for Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes (CEELO), focuses enhancing the knowledge and experiences of individuals working with young children in order to increase the quality of their early learning programs through the creation of learning communities (National Institute for Early Childhood Research, 2014). I was excited to find this national organization because it appears to align with what I have learned about the past several weeks in relation to the importance and impact a community of practice can have as they have already developed their own communities. I look forward to continually learning more about this organization as I aim to help increase the active involvement of the participants in the inclusion process, just as this organization does for all children.

            Current Position Opening: Data Collectors

“Founded in 2002, the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) is affiliated with the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University, a Research I institution. We are currently seeking year-round data collectors.  NIEER supports early childhood policy development by providing independent research and analysis. The Institute’s work includes large-scale, multi-state evaluations of the effectiveness of PreK programs, randomized trials of alternative programs and policies, research syntheses, and national and international evaluations of early childhood programs. 

The National Institute for Early Education Research is seeking Data Collectors year-round. Applicants should be graduate students, have a BA or be upperclassman undergraduate students with a focus on child development, early childhood, psychology or related field. Knowledgeable about child development and developmentally appropriate early childhood teaching practices (e.g. Teacher) preferred. Experience in classroom settings and/or working with children highly preferred. Must be available to work 2-3x per week during data collection period; days are flexible and must be available to attend intensive trainings that vary between 2 days and a full week. The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate an excellent academic record (GPA should be 3.0 or better)” (National Institute for Early Childhood Research, 2014).

Reference

Division of Early Childhood Education. (2014). Council for Exceptional Children. Retrieved

from http://careers.dec-sped.org/.

National Institute for Early Childhood Research. (2013). Center for Enhancing Early Learning

Outcomes. Retrieved from http://nieer.org/about-nieer/ceelo-project-description.

Zero to Three. (2012). Early experiences matter. Retrieved from http://www.zerotothree.org/.