EDUC 6990 WK 4

For this assignment, I am to consider three national or federal organizations or communities of practice in the field of early childhood education, as well as job opportunities which may be of interest. As I am committed to remain working in a Keystone STARS ranked classroom for the next two years due to the grant which enabled me to pursue my Master's degree in the first place, job hunting is not really high on my list, but the information may be of use to someone.

The first organization I chose to consider is NAEYC, or the National Association for the Education of Young Children. They can be found that this link: http://www.naeyc.org/. Most people in the field of ECE agree that NAEYC is the ultimate source for all things related to the field. When it comes to best practices, new ideas, and upcoming trends, this is the place to get the information. In addition to the national organization, there are also state and local affiliates which can give information specific to your local area. Pennsylvania, for example, has the state affiliate, PennAEYC, and 13 local affiliates within PennAEYC. My particular affiliate is Northeast Pennsylvania AEYC 292. As state funding for early childhood education continues to be a major concern in Pennsylvania, these organizations work to advocate for funds and inform the population as to why funding is important and needed, as well as the latest news as to what our elected officials are doing.

For my second organization, I chose the National Head Start Association, found at this link: http://www.nhsa.org/. Like NAEYC, Head Start is a well-known and respected organization in the field of ECE. They have a long history in not only providing quality early childhood education for children in need, but also of advocating for the rights of these children and their families, and for change in our country. They encourage parents and communities to become involved in the education of our youngest learners for a brighter tomorrow.

For my last organization, I chose the Association for Early Learning Leaders, found at: http://www.earlylearningleaders.org/. I chose this particular organization specifically because I was unfamiliar with it and its works. At least I thought I was. By reading I found that this organization used to be known as the National Association for Child Care Professionals, an organization which I had at least heard of before. Like many others, this organization offers professional development, networking opportunities, access to appropriate research, and accreditation. Unlike many other organizations, this one is geared more towards the administrative end--directors, administrators, and center owners. As I have already served as a director and found I missed teaching too much, I found this site to be not as informative for me, although others who are planning to go into the administrative end of the field my find it to be very useful.

As for job opportunities, As I said I will be staying where I am for the next two years. I did, however, find a job opportunities link associated with NAEYC:http://careerforum.naeyc.org/jobs. Current offerings include  Director, Early Learning Center, The American School in Japan (Tokyo); Child Development Center Specialist III West Valley-Mission Community College District, Silicon Valley, California; and Early Learning Specialist, Seattle, Washington.

I wish all my classmates much success in putting their new degrees to work for them.