Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter"~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

I have chosen the following communities to share:

• Texans Care for Children:  This community addresses policy for the children of Texas.  They are currently asking for input, through a survey for Texas Early Learning Council, of Early Childhood professionals regarding a State Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS).

I chose this community because I have mentioned, that my passion is quality in Early Childhood and they are working towards that goal in our field.

• Dallas Association for the Education of Young Children (DAEYC):  This is a community of local child care providers and professionals under the umbrella of National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

I chose this community because it provides a network of people dedicated to giving our best to children through Developmentally Appropriate Practice (Bredekamp, 1995). We meet monthly and share what is going on regarding upcoming policy decisions, job openings and other happenings in the world of Early Childhood in the Dallas, Texas area.

• Texas Association for Infant Mental Health (TAIMH):  This community addresses issues related to helping infants developing

I chose this community because of my continuing interest in brain development and the research being done regarding the developing brain and the mental health of infants.  There are monthly trainings and/or seminars given for members to attend.

There have been a variety of job opportunities available  was interested in the field of Early Childhood.

Head Start has an Education Coordinator's position for a candidate with knowledge of Head Start Standards (afc) , Developmentally Appropriate Practice (Bredekamp, 1987) and three - five years experience working in a child care setting.  The person will be responsible for interacting with the Education Specialists in the Head Start center assigned.  The candidate will observe in the classrooms, train the Ed. Specialist and meet regularly with the Specialist and the Site Manager.  The candidate will help with the implementation of the math and science research project for the preschool classrooms in the program.  The candidate must have excellent communication skills oral and written. Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood required, Masters preferred.


ChildCareGroup is seeking a Site Manager for the Anderson Center in Garland, Texas.  The knowledge and skills needed are five years supervisory experience in Early Childhood. Knowledge of Head Start Standards, as Anderson is a Delegate Center.  Knowledge of center operations and budgeting.  Good communication skills.  Meeting time sensitive deadlines.  Good organizational skills. Must have Director's Certificate awarded by Texas Department of Protective and Reguilatory Services. Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood required, Masters preferred.

United Way has an opening for a Child Development Specialist who will work as part of a grant funded program.  The candidate will visit child care centers serving low-income families, county wide to recruit centers for quality improvement, observe in classrooms and gather information on the teaching staff.  Candidate must have computer skills.  Must be able to work independently with little supervision. Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood required.

References
Bredekamp, S. ed (1987).  Developmentally Appropriate Practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8.  Exp. ed.Washington, DC:  NAEYC
Retrievied from http://www.acf.org
Retrieved from http://www.childcaregroup.org
Retrieved from http://dallasassociaioneducationyoungchildren.org
Retrieved from  http://www.headstartofgreaterdallas.org/careers
Retrieved from  http://texasassociationinfantmentalhealth.org
Retrieved from http://texascareforchildren.org