Three international organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me and why I chose them...
(1) World Forum Foundation
Why I Chose this Organization: I was intrigued by this international organization because of its core philosophy which is "...Children. Change. Relationships. Spirit. Differences. All who care about the well-being of the world’s children are invited to participate. Leadership is collaborative, globally diverse, provided by a multitude of diverse volunteers and a small, dedicated staff" (https://worldforumfoundation.org/about-us/). In further embarking on leadership during this course and what it means to me, I wanted to highlight this group of individuals for their work with children, families, and the early childhood field and significance that they place on leadership.
Job Opportunities: In researching employment opportunities, I couldn't find a specific position but I did find an interesting volunteer availability. A Global Leader is one who engages "in a two year program, during which time they develop and implement action-oriented projects in their own communities aimed at improving the lives of young children. A carefully designed curriculum helps participants develop leadership capacity and effective advocacy skills, and gain a deeper understanding of early childhood research, practice and global issues. Through participation in three face-to-face meetings as well as ongoing communication" (https://worldforumfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Global-Leaders-for-Young-Children-2016-18.pdf). These leaders develop a strong network of regional and international peers. Some of the skills needed to fulfill this role are: Experience working with young children and families; leadership potential in advocating for young children, particularly those at highest risk; knowledge of the policy context for young children in their own country; strong commitment to improving conditions for young children globally and understanding other cultures; commitment to develop and implement an action-oriented project in their own country or community in order to raise awareness about a key early childhood issue or to promote quality early childhood services; commitment to remain in the program for the full two years; and fluency in English. However, preference is given to those who are active in a professional early childhood
association or other related group; or affiliated with a university, government agency, or national or
international NGO.
(2) World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP)
Why I Chose this Organization: The World Organization for Early Childhood Education is "an international, non-governmental and non-profit organization concerned with all aspects of early childhood education and care (ECEC) who defends and promotes the rights of the child to education and care worldwide and supports activities which improve accessibility to high quality education and care as well as currently established in over 70 countries and is represented at meetings of UNESCO, UNICEF, and other international organizations with similar aims" (http://www.worldomep.org/en/about-omep-2/).
Job Opportunities: I could not find any employment opportunities for this particular organization but found that with the work conducted towards the early childhood field, they were worth mentioning.
(3) International Step-By-Step Association (ISSA)
Why I Chose this Organization: ISSA is a successful "learning community where members share their knowledge and work in order to develop best practices in Early Childhood Development. ISSA members are the leading experts in Early Childhood across Europe and Central Asia and strive to remain the best informed and the most innovative specialists in the field...whose goals are to advocate for and support competent Early Childhood systems for all children, especially the most vulnerable;
increase awareness of the importance of Early Childhood Development and of a qualified workforce;
be a leading Early Childhood network and learning community that promotes quality, equitable and integrated services for children, families and practitioners" (http://www.issa.nl/content/who-we-are).
Job Opportunities: I could not find any specific employment vacancies but I did find membership availability. To become a member with ISSA, one must choose between becoming a full member (voting rights) or and affiliate member (non-voting rights). ISSA invites non-profit organizations, academic and educational entities, foundations and associations with an interest in early childhood development to join as Full Members who have voting rights to all ISSA’s elected bodies and are encouraged to participate in the governance of the organization by voting for and serving on the Board, Program Committee, Membership Committee and other bodies. Affiliate Members (non-voting) is reserved for governmental bodies only and are encouraged to attend ISSA Council Meetings.
References
International Step-By-Step Association. (n.d.). Who We Are. Retrieved on May 13, 2016 from (http://www.issa.nl/content/who-we-are).
World Forum Foundation. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved on May 13, 2016 from (https://worldforumfoundation.org/about-us/).
World Forum Foundation (2016). Global Leaders for Young Children. Retrieved on May 13, 2016 from (https://worldforumfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Global-Leaders-for-Young-Children-2016-18.pdf).
World Organization for Early Childhood Education. (2013). About OMEP. Retrieved on May 13, 2016 from (http://www.worldomep.org/en/about-omep-2/).
Three national/federal organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me and why I chose them...
(1) National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI)
Why I Chose this Organization: What appealed to me most about this group is there mission “to improve and advance the quality of life for Black children and their families through education and advocacy” (http://www.nbcdi.org/who-we-are/who-we-are). For more than 40 years, they have been at the forefront of engaging and educating leaders, policymakers, professionals, and parents on issues that directly impact Black children and their families. Being a trusted partner in delivering culturally relevant resources that respond to the very unique strengths and needs of Black children, NBCDI highlights relevant information concerning issues in early childhood education, health, child welfare, literacy, and family engagement.
Job Opportunities: NBCDI Administrator is an employment opportunity that I would be interested in. Some of the skills and experiences needed to fulfill this role would be: Represents the president by welcoming visitors, reviewing correspondence; arranging organization dinners
and other functions; answering questions and meeting requests directed to the president; works collaboratively with the CFO and Operations; assist the Operations Manager in day-to-day coordination and management of operational activities; Conduct research and produce reports; and assist in data entry of accounts payable, accounts receivable and conference processing.
(2) National Child Care Association (NCCA)
Why I Chose this Organization: The NCCA, in conjunction with our members, work tirelessly to produce information to the public and policymakers based upon years of experience of best practice to deliver the highest. They believe parents should have the opportunity to choose the best programs for their children’s needs and supports expanding these choices for all families in all cases. In their understanding that early childhood professionals do not earn the same in salary and benefits that their counterparts in the public arena do, NCCA is committed to a high quality, skilled, and trained work force with the highest salaries and benefits based upon the free market place, demographics and competition.
Job Opportunities: I could not find any employment opportunities just a section were one can become a member for a fee.
(3) The Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF)
Why I Chose this Organization: I chose this organization because I have read countless articles on research conducted by this foundation in the early childhood field as well as am aware of the funding that is given to various early childhood establishments. "Our work focuses on strengthening families, building stronger communities and ensuring access to opportunity, because children need all three to succeed. We advance research and solutions to overcome the barriers to success, help communities demonstrate what works and influence decision makers to invest in strategies based on solid evidence" (http://www.aecf.org/about/) and is devoted to developing a brighter future for millions of children at risk of poor educational, economic, social and health outcomes.
Job Opportunities: Program Associate, Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative would be an interesting employment opportunity (although it would be based in Baltimore, MD!). Some skills and experiences that would be needed to fulfill this role would be: Minimum of seven years of experience (post-bachelor's degree) in human services; proven relationship building skills, adaptability to varied work assignments and ability to contribute to an environment that supports and reinforces teamwork; in-depth knowledge of youth engagement, adolescent brain science, positive youth development, system reform and practice and strategy implementation; strong writing, public speaking and presentation skills with preferred experience in presenting complex subject matter to non-expert audiences; and experience crossing boundaries of race, class, ethnicity and personal philosophy and the capacity to work effectively with a broad range of constituencies.
References
Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2016) Retrieved on May 6, 2016
from (http://www.aecf.org/about/).
National Black Child Development Institute. (2016). Who We Are. Retrieved on May 6, 2016 from (http://www.nbcdi.org/who-we-are/who-we-
are).
Three local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me and why I chose them:
(1) Families First, Inc.
Why I Chose this Organization: Families First, Inc. is a family services organization that has been serving and empowering Atlanta's most vulnerable families for 125 years. They have served more than 37,000 children, women and families, have 12 office locations across metro-Atlanta, three (3) group homes that service foster care youth in our city, one (1) home that serves single mothers in the foster care system and one (1) home that supports formerly homeless teen mothers and their children. They also manage 45 units at a local apartment complex, which offers shelter and safety for homeless families struggling with a major illness, mental health concerns or substance abuse issues.
Job Opportunities: The job opportunities that are offered are employment and volunteer. One employment opportunity that interests me would be a Healthy Babies Healthy Mom - TAPP Counselor. Some of the skills and experience needed to competently fulfill this role would be: a Master’s degree in public health, social work, nursing, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy; and/or equivalent years of training and experience; if applicable, licensed in the State of Georgia; two (2) years, direct service (individual, group and family) experience in teen pregnancy, teen parenting, adolescent/youth development, and/or maternal child health; case management and interactive, group facilitation skills; bilingual Spanish a plus; previous experience utilizing an Electronic Clinical Record (ECR) a plus.
(2) Voices for Georgia's Children
Why I Chose this Organization: Voices for Georgia's Children was created in 2003 to promote a public agenda in support of children and to focus on three broad policy areas: early childhood, child health, and disconnected youth. "We develop policy recommendations, educate and engage the community, organize advocates, and directly lobby agency staff and elected officials to achieve change" (http://georgiavoices.org/early-childhood/).
Job Opportunities: For this organization, I would be interested in Pre-K Week Consultant. Some of the skills and experiences needed to fulfill this role would be: Excellent organizational and project management skills; strong team player with collaborative and flexible work style; strong written and verbal communications skills; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to analyze basic data and draw conclusions; familiarity with Salesforce highly preferred; knowledge of the structure of government and Georgia’s elected officials preferred.
(3) Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL)
Why I Chose this Organization: Bright from the Start (BFTS) "is responsible for meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia’s children and their families. It administers the nationally recognized Georgia’s Pre-K Program, licenses child care centers and home-based child care, administers Georgia's Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program, federal nutrition programs, and manages Quality Rated, Georgia’s community powered child care rating system. The department also houses the Head Start State Collaboration Office, distributes federal funding to enhance the quality and availability of child care, and works collaboratively with Georgia child care resource and referral agencies and organizations throughout the state to enhance early care and education" (http://decal.ga.gov/BftS/About.aspx).
Job Opportunities: With this organization, I have actually applied and interviewed for some on their positions! Currently, there are no employment opportunities available.
References
Families First. (n.d.). Who We Are. Retrieved on May 6, 2016 from
(http://www.familiesfirst.org/who-we-are).
Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. (2016). Retrieved on May 6, 2016
from (http://decal.ga.gov/BftS/About.aspx).
Voices of Georgia's Children. (2011). Retrieved on May 6, 2016
from (http://georgiavoices.org/early-childhood/
