As an educator in the
field of early childhood, it is necessary to familiarize myself with websites,
journals, articles, and organizations that represent what I stand for; it can
help me provide vital information to empower children, families, and educators.
While researching, I found three sites that appealed to me as an educator and
future director. The first organization that appeals to me is the Association
for Early Learning Leaders (AELL) http://www.earlylearningleaders.org.
This organization “Promotes
leadership development and enhances program quality through the National
Accreditation Commission's standards; it serves childcare directors, owners and
administrators” (AELL, n. d., para. 1). I chose this organization, because it
provides directors, owners, and all early learning professionals with knowledge
and
skills, giving us the ability
provide quality care and education for young children.
The second organization I chose is the
National Child Care Association http://www.nccanet.org,
this organization supports
policies that are beneficial to children, if regulations or policies do not
hold the child’s best interest at heart, this organization steps in to advocate
for equity. I chose this organization, because as a
future director, I will encounter policies and regulations that I do not feel
are helpful to the children I serve; this organization will be a good community
of practice for other educators and me.
The final organization that appeals to me is
Advocates for Youth (AFY) http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/. This organization “Advocates for Youth champions
efforts to help young people make informed and responsible decisions about
their reproductive and sexual health; they boldly advocate for a more positive
and realistic approach to adolescent sexual health” (AFY, 2008, para. 1). I
chose this organization, because in the field of early childhood, I often deal
with children who are products of teen pregnancies or young mothers. Many of
these parents do not have education on sexuality; as a result, they have unintentional
pregnancies. I feel that the organization will provide educators, teens, and
others with information to make teens aware of the realities of sexuality.
After
examining these organizations, it made me think about jobs that interest me. The
first job I found is being a provider for a home-base service; this individual
works in private homes to teach and care for one or more children. The skills
and experience needed to fulfill this role is to be knowledgeable about
children and their development; having a Child Development
Associate (CDA) Credential, Associate’s degree in Child Development, or a Bachelor’s
degree in Early Childhood Education (Child Development) or equivalent education
is preferred in order to provide quality services for children.
The final job that I
found was a position for an administrator or director of a center-based
program. The skills and experience needed for this job is to be knowledgeable
about administrative and managerial skills; this individual should also have knowledge
regarding children and their development. This person maintains the required standards
for local, state and federal agencies, they ensure that the teachers are
educated and well trained; they must be able to establish and maintain a
budget, and be able to hire and terminate employees. These are only a few of
the skills the director must have. Recommended education for this position
includes having an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor’s
degree in Child Development or its equivalent, with coursework in child care
administration, and or a Graduate degree in Child Care Administration. For more
information about these and other jobs in the field of early childhood
education, visit this website http://www.childcareservices.org/_downloads/CareersInEarlyChildhoodGuide_NC.pdf.
Above I have outlined
organizations that appeal to me and some jobs that I would like to have. These
organizations have provided imperative information for individuals that are
interested in the field of early childhood. These organizations are good
sources of communities of practice. These jobs listed and the website I have
provided will offer available jobs for those who are seeking a career in the
field of early childhood. With this in mind, shoot far above the stars to
advocate for and empower children, families, and educators around the world.
References
Advocates for Youth. (2008). About us. Retrieved
from http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/
Association
for Early Learning Leaders. (n. d.). About us. Retrieved from http://www.earlylearningleaders.org
National
Child Care Association. (n. d.). Welcome to our community. Retrieved from http://www.nccanet.org/
