Jobs/Roles in the ECE Field on the National/Federal Level

          I had a great time exploring the various organizations and agencies that are out there for the Early Childhood Field.  Learning about the different opportunities for people like myself and all of my colleagues is exciting.  I examined many organizations and agencies however, there were three that interested me the most.  They are:

1. National Education Association (NEA):  Their mission is to advocate for education professionals and to unite our members and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education to prepare every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world.  The NEA works on every educational level from early childhood to graduate level such as the one we are in currently.  They discuss different issues such as common core standards, education funding, and early childhood.  They provide resources for teachers and administrators, as well as information about grants and funding.  I chose this organization because it is such a broad resource for teachers.  It offers a wide variety of information.  A job that I could apply for there is a state affiliate.  They lobby legislators for the needs in the education field.  The job requirements are: a bachelor's degree, successful public school teaching and leadership experience with an advocacy organization, previous chief negotiator, collective bargaining and grievance arbitration experience is desired, proven ability to develop and coordinate an effective membership organizing program,proven ability to work independently and in a diverse, collaborative, and team environment, effective consulting, training, presentation and representation skills,strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills,knowledge of office automation technology including word processing and data applications, and strong written and verbal communication skills (NEA, 2014).

2. National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP): Their vision is family economic security, strong nurturing families, and healthy child development.  The NCCP is a public policy center that works to help the low-income families of America.  They work at the state and national level and are family-oriented.  They perform research to find solutions and develop strategies to help child in poverty.  They take on projects such as housing subsidies and child development, promoting paid family leave, and the some topics that they research and discuss are child poverty, children's mental health, early care and learning, and immigrant families.  A job that is available with this organization is an Associate Research Scientist, this position's role is Director of Childcare and Early Education Research Connections.  The job requirements is to have a Ph.D or Ed.D or equivalent in Early Childhood Education, must have knowledge of early childhood research, policies, and programs, and five years of relevant experience (NCCP, 2014).

3. Council for Professional Recognition: Their mission is the Council for Professional Recognition promotes improved performance and recognition of professionals in early childhood education of children ages birth through 5 years old.  They provide the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.  The CDA is required in many states for early childhood professionals.  In Arkansas, a director must have a CDA or a Bachelor's in a related field.  There were no job openings listed for this organization (Council for Professional Recognition, 2013).

References

Council for Professional Recognition. (2013). About the Council.  Retrieved from http://www.cdacouncil.org/about-the-council

National  Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP). (2014). About NCCP. Retrieved from http://www.nccp.org/about.html

National Education Association (NEA). (2014). About NEA. Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/home/2580.htm