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

The three national and federal organizations that appeal to me are The National Association of Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA), National Child Care Association (NCCA), and American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS).  These three sites provide me with different insights to increase the quality of care for childcare centers.

The NACCRRA is the nation’s leading voice for childcare.  They work to achieve their mission to lead projects that increase the quality of childcare in more than 600 state and local childcare and resource agencies nationwide.  They believe that all children have the rights to be cared for in safe, healthy, and nurturing environments.  In addition, to have access to early learning experiences that will help them be ready for kindergarten.  Therefore, I chose this agency because they focus on the goal I want for all childcare centers in our community and the nation.  The NACCRRA will provide me with updated information regarding the expectations for high quality childcare, along with valuable state, federal, and local community representatives that I can add to my community of Practice.

Then there is the NCCA that focus on the need of licensed childcare centers to promote growth and safety for all children.  They ensure opportunities for the private sector in the changes of state, federal, and local policies to make childcare high quality for all.  I chose this website for a reference site because they give me contacts to personnel concerning the government and allow for our community of practice to voice our opinion on the policies that are up for changes or any new policies that affect childcare.    

The last one that I could find that is beneficial to my community of practice is the AAFCS.  This organization brings people together to improve the lives of families, communities, and individuals.  This organization can give our community of practice insight on the needs of families, individuals, and communities concerning childcare.  I found the articles very open to the need of quality childcare in communities to make changes in individual and family education for the future.

As I looked for job opportunities available for me now, I ran into a position for an Instructional Assistant at a community college to teach Early Childhood Education Courses.  I applied for the position however; the qualifications include a pre-kindergarten license, which I do not have.  I just have my experience for the last 20 years of head start and other years working in elementary schools.  In addition, they want you to have current drivers license, which I have.  Another opportunity that I ran across was an early childhood education trainer for action for children but I have not applied due to the reason that the position is only temporary through a six-month contract.  I would like to find a way to become a certified educator and step up to quality trainer.

 Reference

http://www.naccrra.org/policy/state_licensing/ National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies

http://www.nccanet.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=7 National Child Care Association

http://www.aafcs.org/Advocacy/childcare.asp American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS