Saturday, March 30, 2019

EDUC 6990 - Capstone Week 4


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

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