Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

1. New River Valley Association for the Education of Young Children. The following is the national, state and local websites for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  I am a member of this organization and I feel that it has helped to keep me informed of new information concerning early childhood.  NAEYC has also provided me with needed resources and gives opportunities to build networks among colleagues.  It also offers learning and research opportunities.

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) at http://www.naeyc.org/

NRVAECE at  http://www.vaece.org/localchapters_NRVAECE.html

Mission: NRVAECE is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs and championing the rights of young children.

To fulfill its mission, NRVAECE will:

• Support families and professionals who want to ensure the best beginning possible   for every child
• Nurturing and respecting all young children
• Professional growth for our members
• Quality programs, which are developmentally appropriate and reflect current finding in our field
• The importance of maintaining high standards of professional conduct
• Continuing to be open to new ideas and willing to learn from the suggestions of others

 Job opportunity available through this organization that interests me: This organization will help provide me with the information and resources needed to open my own early childhood education center.

2. Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia. This government agency works specifically to provide services and supports to infants and toddlers through age two who need early intervention due to signs of developmental delay. I am extremely interested in following and supporting the growth and development of infants and toddlers and doing what I can to provide the structure and support in their everyday lives to bring that about.

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/early_childhood/index.shtml

Job opportunity available through this organization that interests me:

Early Childhood Program Manager

POSITION REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s degree with management and leadership experience, including supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. License as RN, OT, Educator, PT, and Speech Pathology encouraged. Knowledge of early childhood development, growth, needs, services, fiscal planning, grant writing, state standards regarding early intervention and Part C, service coordination, social services system, and private agencies dealing with children for the age of 0 to 3 years.

3. The Virginia Infant and Toddler Specialist Network. The goal of this organization are to improve the quality of care and education that infants and toddlers receive while away from their primary caregiver. Increase the educational level and competencies of infant and toddler caregivers/teachers and director. Promote community connections to increase awareness and use of available resources and services that support healthy, safe, and nurturing care for infants and toddlers. Implement an effective, efficient, and accountable infant and toddler specialist system and increase its capacity to offer services.

http://www.va-itsnetwork.org/

Job opportunity available through this organization that interests me:

VA ITSN Statewide Director

Education:  A Master’s degree from an accredited institution in infant and toddler or early childhood education, child development, or a related field.

Qualifications: Must be a highly motivated individual with excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills. Must have knowledge and understanding of early childhood programs, infant and toddler development and group care, Part C, Early Head Start, infant/child mental health, and experience working with child care or other early care settings. Must exercise independent judgment and initiative in oversight and management responsibilities of the VA ITSN. Must be able to collaborate and facilitate linkages with other early childhood leaders within the state. Must have a background in adult learning, personnel management and leadership, teamwork, program development and evaluation, knowledge of the Virginia professional development system, and best practices in early childhood development. Must be a strong team leader. Must possess a valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and be able to travel independently by car, air, or train to attend meetings and conferences and deliver presentations. Must be able to effectively use the telephone and must possess the skills and ability to use equipment necessary to carry out job responsibilities (e.g. computer, telephone, and fax machine).