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

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).

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

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/

Profile of a Volunteer

For this post, I was asked to develop a profile of a volunteer, in which you describe the work of someone who has impacted the lives of other through volunteerism. I could make it personal by highlighting my own volunteer efforts, those of someone close to me, or describe the work of someone whom I do not know personally but whom I admire greatly. I searched within my life and the life of others and decided that I would take this post a different way! Instead of recognizing the volunteer efforts of a particular individual, I wanted to show appreciation for the work of an organization.

                                               

Volunteer BaseCamp is one of the world's longest running and most affordable international volunteer programs that started with three friends (Jim, Dave, and Noelle) who wanted to set about establishing a system and an overseas infrastructure that would help to connect and recruit volunteers with placements in a wide range of positions. On volunteerbasecamp.com, I found Early Childhood Education Volunteer section where ECE volunteers work with young children worldwide in an informal setting helping with learning fundamentals in day cares, orphanages and community centers. "These placements are perfect for students or graduates from an Early Childhood Education program and often can be incorporated into one's academic program. That said, these organizations are often overwhelmed simply managing the day to day needs of the children. So, even a volunteer with no background or training can be of considerable help in coordinating educational games and activities for the children." (http://www.volunteerbasecamp.com/Volunteer-Abroad-Placements/Early-Childhood-Education-Volunteer).

Opportunities range from being a Daycare Teaching Assistant Volunteer with the Salvation Army in San Jose, Costa Rica to a Preschool Teacher with Ebenezer Orphanage Center in Arusha, Tanzania in East Africa.

                         

                                             Daycare Teaching Assistant Volunteer: Salvation Army: San Jose, Costa Rica

Preschool Teacher Volunteer: Ebenezer Orphanage Center: Arusha, Tanzania, East Africa

I feel Volunteer BaseCamp and the international work that they conduct within the early childhood field has positively impacted others because these volunteers have taken the time to leave their home countries, possibly learn a new language, travel to a foreign land, and volunteer within their (foreign country) early childhood programs. As we know, these countries, their children and families are in such a great need and I think it is commendable that these individuals take advocacy to another level! I believe it is something to be said for those who forgo the comforts of their homeland for the promotion and advocacy of children and families in another continent!

Reference

Volunteer BaseCamp. (n.d.). Early Childhood Education Volunteer. Retrieved on April 14, 2016 from http://www.volunteerbasecamp.com/Volunteer-Abroad-Placements/Early-Childhood-Education-Volunteer

Using Social Media to Get Connected

I will be the first to admit that I have real love/hate relationship with social media! It can be used to connect with others, inform the community about upcoming events, form social clubs, and even advocate for causes that are important. BUT.... It has completely changed the way we communicate as human beings. I am more so talking about the people you see in the waiting rooms, restaurants, grocery store lines, and even in the early childhood classroom who are so consumed by what is going on with "social media" that they are oblivious to the world around them. Social media has gotten so bad in early childhood classrooms, I have seen centers make employees sign Facebook/Social Network/Cell Phone Policy statements. As you can see, I have my own personal hangups about it but I am very aware that it can be quite beneficial when used correctly!

                               

                                 

I try to reframe from using social media (although Youtube can teach you how to do anything in the world!) because I feel it has created a thin line between privacy and growth (whether professionally or personally). It my recent employment opportunities, the early childhood centers that I have worked at used Facebook as a means to connect with parents and the community and make everyone aware of various events concerning the center. But, I became a little disturbed at my last place of employment, when parents began to use the center's Facebook page for everything other than what was going on at the center! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Youtube are several social media tools that could possibly lend themselves to effective advocacy. For example, I could use Youtube or even Twitter to share the results of various surveys/polls conducted within a specific community on a particular issue.

                                   

These tools are excellent to educate and inspire others in my advocacy work because I can fully highlight and express my objective, research, results, and face-to-face conversations with influentials. I understand social media allows me to reach a substantial amount of people but what other ways can I use it to promote my advocacy objective which is to: Reduce childhood poverty and improve optimal development of the child and family in the county of Gwinnett, Georgia (where I live) by offering Parent Programs in ALL early care and education facilities that assist in helping families achieve educational/employment goals through support and resources?

Advocacy Messages

       
        

“Our vision: Family economic security; Strong, nurturing families; Healthy child development (http://www.nccp.org/about.html)." This statement is the vision of the National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) and when I read it, I instantly felt inspired because these three goals set the foundation for the optimal development of the whole child as well as the family. This message is so effective in creating action because it outlines a step-by-step plan for the success of the child and its family. When a family is able to become financially stable, it sets the foundation for the unit to be strong and nurturing. When the family is strong and nurturing as a unit, it allows the child to grow in an environment that promotes healthy development. When a child experiences healthy development, he/she in return grows to become a healthy, productive citizen of society.



         

"CDF provides a strong, effective and independent voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves (http://www.childrensdefense.org/about/#About)." This statement is in connection with the mission of the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) and it moved me to action because of the voice for ALL children in America. As we know, there are some children whom "fall between the cracks", whose parents do not have the resources or education needed for the child to prosper and in return the child and the family fall victim to life's circumstances. CDF understands that such children and their families need a strong voice to advocate on their behalf more than anyone else. It's easy for the needs of poor children, children of color and those with disabilities to be hidden away, neglected, abused, and even exploited; CDF recognizes this reality and its mission is to be a strong, effective and independent voice for ALL, but particularly those in need.

References

The National Center for Children in Poverty. (n.d.). Retrieved on April 4, 2016 from http://www.nccp.org/about.html.

The Children's Defense Fund. (n.d.). Retrieved on April 4, 2016 from http://www.childrensdefense.org/about/#About. 

My Own Capacity

Which issues impacting young children and their families and/or the field of early childhood fuel your passion?

Childhood poverty is a social issue that impacts young children, their families, and the early childhood field and fuels my passion. My advocacy objective would be to reduce childhood poverty and improve optimal development of the child and family by offering parent programs in ALL early care and education facilities that assist in helping families achieve educational/employment goals by offering support and resources. This issue is so significant to me because of my personal experience with childhood poverty and low-income families and I fully understand the detrimental impact it has on the child, the family, the community, and society as a whole.

What special skills do you have that will contribute to your advocacy efforts? How will you incorporate these skills into your work?

The skill of experiencing life as a low-income family but also the education and knowledge of an early childhood professional is the greatest resource I have to contribute to my advocacy efforts. I fully understand the physical, mental, social, and emotional toll this circumstance has on the child and its family. I will incorporate this understanding into my work by sharing my story and my success and being the resource needed for families to have positive, life-changing outcomes.

In what ways do you hope to grow in order to be a more effective advocate?

To be a more effective advocate, I hope to become a more informed, organized, well-researched resource for children and their families. I want to become deeply absorbed in finding solutions to issues that affect children, their families, and everyone connected. I want to discover the leader in me and to obtain an understanding of social issues that affect these individuals so that I can help change lives and make an impact (even on a micro level) in the early childhood field.

My Role as an Advocate

My journey in the early childhood field began in 2004 as a receptionist for the Boys & Girls Club of the Big Bend. Attached to our organization, we had an early learning center and being the greeter for the entire building, I began to form relationships with the children and their families. I enjoyed seeing and interacting with the children and their families and began to spend more time in the classrooms helping out than answering the phone! At the time, I thought it would be impossible to become a teacher but 4 years later, I received my opportunity!

It is essential to acknowledge and foster advocacy efforts the micro as well as the macro level because there are significant issues that affect the optimal development of children and their families at each level. To be a community leader, it takes dedication and passion to the purpose, communication with stakeholders, organizations, and policymakers. One must be willing and able to connect with those who are directly affected by issues and confident enough in their ability to speak on the behalf of children and families. A community leader must be a believer and participant in life-long learning. Continuously learning about the issues, learning about the field, and learning about oneself as a professional and individual. It takes the resources of the people...meaning partnering with early childhood organizations such as NAEYC, local organizations, governmental agencies such as Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education.

The advice I would give to someone who was interested in taking a leadership role in advocating for young children and their families would be "to be the grain of sand that forms the core of the pearl, you must learn the gentle art of using disagreement about educational practice to your advantage…and you must choose when to stand firm and when not to. Not every issue is worth fighting; not every battle can be won. As an ethical professional, you may have hard choices to make. We urge you stand up for children and to make their well-being your primary concern; to say no when asked to do what is wrong; to insist on speaking what you know to be true; to risk making yourself unpopular; and to give others the courage to do the same. It’s a lot to ask. But it’s the right thing to do, and children need you to do it (Morrison, 2009; Feeney, 2010)"

As an early childhood professional, our goal is to teach young learners life skills that they can build a solid foundation on. It is essential for early childhood professionals to “stand up” for children and their families because “You are influential with your family and friends. They know and trust you and what you tell them about early childhood education and care may be more powerful for them than what they read in the newspaper or see on television. You are influential in your community. The people on your street, in your neighborhood, in your town know you. You are their expert on early childhood education and care, they trust you. You are influential in your local government. You know the friends, families, and associates of the members of your school board, your municipal council, and your state legislature. You represent the opinions and votes of those who elected them. You are as important, or more important, to them than any expert (Feeney, 2010)”.