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

This week we explore national organizations and federal agencies that appeal to you and why you chose them. Also job opportunities that are of interest and skills and experience needed to competently fulfill the roles.  

The Administration for Children and Family Services Department of Health and Human Services is an organization that empowers families and individuals to increase their economic independence and productivity, encourages strong, healthy, supportive communities that have a positive impact on quality of life and the development of children. This organization was of interest due to they are an organization who is about helping the whole family looking out for their best interest as a whole.

Their Vision children, youth, families, individuals and communities who are resilient, safe, healthy, and economically secure

Mission is to foster health and well-being by providing federal leadership, partnership and resources for the compassionate and effective delivery of human services

There is a position available Program Specialist in the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Head Start (OHS) –this position was of interest to me due to it is in the Office of the Head Start and I really want to eventually be in the Head Start program. I think this is where I would be able to learn and grow in early childhood development. Skills needed in this field you would need to be able to provide advice and technical assistance to ACF discretionary Head Start grantee agencies, be able to lead and participate in grant reviews, advice and assistance to grantee in program planning, monitor grant u will provide advice and technical assistance to ACF discretionary Head Start grantee agencies that includes programmatic and fiscal oversight responsibilities for discretionary grant programs administered by grantee agencies.

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/about/acf-vision-mission-values

 

The National Education Association is an organization that recognizes that early childhood education is one of the best investments that our country can make. This organization is a solid organization that has been in existence since 1857.  The NEA believes that every student in America no matter family income or place of residence, deserves a quality education (NEA, n.d.). The vision of NEA is a great public school for every student (NEDA, n.d.). Their mission is to advocate for education professionals and to connect members and the nation to complete the promise of public education to prepare every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world (NEA, n.d.).

They currently offer a Manager position which would support the NEA’S strategic objective to focus the energy and resources of its three million members toward the promotion of strong state affiliates by providing management, direction, and coordination for all aspects of Campaigns and Elections (C&D) programs in the Center for Strong Affiliates. I would need strong managerial skills, professional skills, and knowledge in state and national campaigns and government relations to assist in the planning and management of resources and programs to states. They also require experience in program planning, team building and affiliate knowledge and understanding.

http://www.nea.org/home/2580.htm

 

The National School Board Association (NSBA) is an organization that represents state school boards association and their more than 90, ooo local school board members. They believe education is a civil right, and public education is America’s most important institution. Their mission working with and through state association, they advocate for equity and excellence in public education through school board leadership (NSBA, n.d.). School board’s vision for public education is their unified framework based on their mission. This organization has developed an “army of advocates” poised to influence key federal legislative issues (NSBA, n.d.). They understand that as public school advocates they need to be unified in messaging and proactive in their delivery.

This organization appealed to me in that they are advocates for education believing that education is a civil right and that it is necessary to the dignity and freedom of the American people. They feel all students should have equal access to an education that maximizes their individual potential (NSBA, n.d.). The only careers available at this time are a System Administrator and Graphic Design, these were not careers that were of interest to me. School boards, elected or appointed by their communities, represent the community’s beliefs and values.  This organization was of interest to me due to they are organization who is about community.    The most important responsibility of school boards is to work with their communities to improve student achievement in their local public schools. School boards derive their power and authority from the state. In compliance with state and federal laws, school boards establish policies and regulations by which their local schools are governed (NSBA, n.d.).

 http://www.nsba.org/about-us/mission-vision-goals#sthash.X79ne2YQ.dpuf