Job/Roles in the ECE Community:National/Federal Level
Exploring national organizations and federal agencies that
work closely with children and families makes my awareness of the numerous
organizations and agencies that are trying to make a difference in the EC
field. It also provides a sense that EC practitioners are not alone and that
there are countless resources and communities of practice that we can be part
of.
Here are some of the national organizations and communities
of practice that stood out to me as I explore jobs and roles in the EC
community.
National Child Care Association
The mission of NCCA is to foster growth and safeguard the
interest of quality child care and education concentrating on licensed, private
providers of these services. It also serves as a voice to ensure regulations
and legislation are put forward for the benefits of children and their parents.
What I appreciate about this organization is that it
supports policies that are beneficial to children. They also promote equal
participation in funding for all providers of early care and education birth
through 5.
Center on the Developing Child
The Center on the Developing Child is another fascinating
organization that catalyzes local, national, and international innovation in
policy and practice focused on children and families.
They are a multidisciplinary team dedicated to driving
science-based innovation in policy and practice. The organization goal is to
produce significantly larger impacts on the learning capacity, health, and
economic and social agility of young children.
Division for Early Childhood
The Division for Early Childhood is another organization
that has a unique focus on young children (0-8) with disabilities. It
promotes policies and advances evidence-based practices that support families
and augment the optimal development of young children (0-8) who have or at risk
for developmental delays and disabilities.
I love their mission of supporting young children (0-8) with
disabilities and other special needs and their families.
When it comes to job or roles connected with the EC field, I
found some interesting jobs that grab my attention.
Child Life Specialist
Child specialists work with children and their families to
foster growth and development in a setting that reduces anxiety about
hospitalization and treatment.
· Child
Specialists may have many administrative duties depending on the size of the
program. They also sit on a committee to discuss a topic such as pain
management, quality program, and grief.
· Working
conditions could be hospital-based or facility-based. They work closely with a
child’s family including parents and siblings to educate them about the
healthcare process.
· The
educational background includes educational training typically in child
development. It may require the applicants to hold Certified Child Life
Specialist accreditation from the Child Life Council (CLC). The applicant
also needs to complete 480 hours of clinical work and pass the exam from CLC.
For me to competently fulfill this role, I need to take the
CLS certification and pass the test. I also need to complete the 480 hours of
clinical work.
Early Intervention Specialist/Early Childhood Special
Educator
The nature of work of an Early Intervention Specialist/Early
Childhood Special Educator is providing for the needs of infants, toddlers, and
young children who have sensory and physical impairments and are emotionally
and cognitively challenged
· They may
work with families and other service providers in planning, delivering, and
evaluating interventions that significantly affect the developmental needs of a
child.
· The person
may provide direct services in various setting such as classroom, home, or
center-based programs.
· The
educational background includes a Bachelor degree with an authorization for
working as an early interventionist or teaching Early Childhood Special
Education.
· The person
has interest in medical terminology and unusual medical conditions and has the
high energy level and ability to handle multiple tasks.
For me to competently fulfill this role I need to work in an
EC or daycare that welcomes children with disabilities and I might need to take
some Special Education coursework
Here are some of the valuable links that you may want to
explore
