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

1.Project Director

As Project Director, one is responsible for the leadership and management of the Tribal Home Visting Technical Assistance Center as well as ensuring the effective and timely completion of contract deliverables based on work plans and budgets related to all funding years of the contract. The Director provides for oversight of all staff and consultants engaged in the performance of the work. In addition, this position serves as the primary point of contact with the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

 Qualifications for the position are as follows:

Graduate degree in child development, public health, mental health, or a related field.

10 Years or more of Management experience

Resources that advance home visiting programs in the context of tribal sovereignty, diversity, and historical trauma and distrust

Strong management and leadership skills

Strong supervisory skills, including experience providing reflective supervision

 Ability to interpret and analyze data and complex documents

 Experience in overseeing a multimillion-dollar budget

 Excellent conceptual, written and oral skills

Strong interpersonal skills

 Effective time management skills; and

 Ability to travel.

2.FV/Program Specialist

Assist the Manager and Assistant Manager in administering the Child Development Center; directs operation in the absence of the Manager and Assistant Manager; coordinates with the campus and community on early childhood awareness; prepares and maintains reports and health records for college, local, state and federal requirements; oversees health and safety; maintain professional development records for staff. Coordinates with parents and teachers to meet medical/nutrition needs and maintain the proper documentation. Coordinates with campus departments/clubs and the community to spread awareness of the importance of quality early care and education to students and parents of young children who could benefit from the use of the CDLC.

Qualifications for Position is as follows:

Bachelor's degree in Child Development or Early Childhood or child-related area, 

Over five (5) years full-time early childhood classroom experience and relevant supervisory experience. 

First Aid & CPR

Physical Examination

State and Federal  Criminal Examination

3. Assistant Professor: Early Childhood Education

Responsibilities include teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, supervising students in school and community-based field experiences, maintaining active scholarship, supporting partnerships with community organizations and schools, and providing service to the Department and the College of Education.

Qualifications for Position is as follows:

D. or Ed.D. in Child Development, Family Studies, Education, Developmental Psychology, or a closely related field

Expertise in developmentally appropriate practice and ECE pedagogy

Experience working in culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse settings 

An established record of scholarly activity and publication

Preferences

Experience/interest in any of the following areas: preparing teachers for multilingual, multiracial settings, pedagogical content knowledge and teacher education, social justice and equity in ECE

P-3 classroom teaching experience

Familiarity with ECE policies, standards, and workforce development initiatives

University teaching experience in child development or a related area

Experience with diverse populations and/or evidence of cultural competence

The three national organizations that stuck out to me are Zero to Three, Division for Early Childhood and National Child Care Association. Each one of these organizations has a unique mission for their organizations' design but they all share the same goal. That goal is to ensure that the policies and regulations for Early Childhood Education are met and the children and families that they provide services for, are receiving the care and support they need for the child and the family. I was truly drawn to the wide range of availability and or resources that each provides. For example, Zero to Three is stationed in Washington D.C but one is capable of finding countless resources I could use for my work with infants and toddlers.  

References

http://www.dec-sped.org/

http://www.nccanet.org/

https://www.zerotothree.org/