Federal/National Job Opportunities

A close friend of mine recently became employed through our local Head Start office and has raved about the resources that are available for families and children. I reviewed the National Head Start site for their job openings and found that I would need to become a member to fully review the postings (National Head Start Association, 2014). There were a variety of options available across the nation for positions from everything for health consultants, teachers, and human resource analysts. My friend shared that there will be a professional development coordinator position opening up in my area. This person will facilitate the professional development of the teachers as well as other trainers. As a past CDA trainer and with my upcoming graduation, I feel I would be an ideal applicant for this position because I have served as a certified trainer for over five years. This position was the most appealing to me as it would continue to permit me to work in the field, but without the stresses of staffing, enrollment, and budgets.

My journey for a position with a national agency took me to the Association for Early Learning Leaders. I had never heard of this agency prior to this research. This agency exists to bring early learning leaders together in our pursuit for quality by collaborating with other national agencies (Association for Early Learning Leaders, n.d.). Under their "Professional Development" tab, there is a link for careers which sends users to a brief survey. I did find that this agency is not recognized by the state of Pennsylvania for accreditation, but did find that a preschool teaching position in Illinois was available for candidates with a Bachelor's in ECE. I would have preferred to find something more administrative but felt this site would have amazing resources to assist in my professional growth as a leader.

My final stop was at the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA) site. Here I found the opportunity to become a verifier. While specific education requirements were not listed, it was evident, candidates must possess a knowledge and passion for the early learning field and be willing to travel consecutive days. Candidates can apply online and if approved in the first phase, will receive an study pack that the candidate must become fluent in. Once mastered, applicants complete three site visits with a lead verifier (NECPA, 2013). I find this position appealing because I could travel and observe a variety of programs. I find it so rewarding to be a part of the continued growth of a center. In this position, I could provide resources to ensure they were on their path to quality and provide the feedback needed to improve practices.

References:
Association for Early Learning Leaders, (n.d.). Career Center. Retrieved from http://www.earlylearningleaders.org/networking/opening_search.asp

National Early Childhood Program Accreditation, (2013). Verifier. Retrieved from http://www.necpa.net/positiondetail.php

National Head Start Association, (2014). Job Board. Retrieved from https://www.nhsa.org/professional_development/job_board

ECE Roles - What I want to be when I grow up...

I feel that I am at a crossroads in my career as I question the business practices of my current employer. Through exploring the possible roles I could potentially see myself in, I have looked into the NW Regional Key which assists in setting the quality rating standards for our state. I actually interviewed for a position with this organization over the summer. Applicants were to possess a BS in ECE or a related field, possess a working knowledge of Pennsylvania child care regulations as well as STARS standards. I was offered the position and felt that I would have exceled in this role, yet the position required a tremendous amount of time away from home and my family.

I also found PACCA (Pennsylvania Child Care Association). This agency is an advocacy agency for child care centers in the state of PA. This membership driven organization is comprised of a board and offers a variety of committees to serve on. It appears that past experience with child care is helpful to serve on committees. While employment information was not listed on the website, I did read that they provide information to determine public policy as well as links to governmental officials.

The final agency I found was the Erie County Co-operative Extension. While this agency has departments that cover everything from farming to 4-H and child care, there is a wide variety of topics that can be covered. Under the early learning area, I found the option to order instructor modules. As a certified instructor for Pennsylvania, I found this option a possibility. As a certified trainer, I need to prove my experience and expertise in particular areas as well as possess a BS in ECE. Better Kid Care is a department under the auspice of the Co-Op Extension. Through ordering their materials, I would ensure a quality training without the stress of planning the coursework.