A National Perspective

How many people can say I have found my dream job? No one I know has uttered these words. This week, as I looked through my national lens, I found three job opportunities that fit my strengths, education, and interests. 

I have a special place in my heart for the British people as I am of British decent. I stay abreast of trends and issues regularly by visiting The British Association for Early Childhood Education at http://www.early-education.org.uk/. This association is designed in a fashion different than that of NAEYC. This group focuses on special program issues and provides technical assistance and training to professionals. I would enjoy being an Early Education Associates under this organization. All associates “are established leading early childhood education specialists, who support both strategically and practically, the training, professional development and mentoring needs of multi-professional teams to work with the parents, families and friends who support each child to learn effectively” (Early Education, 2013).

Designing and delivering professional development has become a love of mine over the last 10 years. Many who know me are shocked that I can stand in front of a large group and discuss and lead activities on topics of education. The key here is education. I have a strong passion for every topic I present sessions. For this reason, I visited the Early Childhood Outcomes Center at http://projects.fpg.unc.edu/~eco/. Working with this organization, I would take pride in being an on-site professional development director and/or trainer for regional and local staff on issues related to outcome measurement. In addition to this work I would also work “with agencies as they work with stakeholder groups on a variety of topics related to outcomes measurement, such as the design of an outcomes measurement system” (ECOC, 2013). I thrive on seeing progress come out of work, planning, and combined efforts.

Lastly, I stay informed on specific topics of interest by visiting the National Institute for Early Education Research at http://nieer.org/. As a Research Project Coordinator, I would lead efforts in examining a subject to its fullest extent. In addition to witnessing progress, I have to know the purpose. Just as a three year old says ‘why,’ I declare ‘why and how’.

With the addition of a MSECS, I would be ready to step into any of these roles. My BS in Human Services Administration is an asset for any of these positions. It goes without saying that I would need to continue my education in regards to early childhood education, issues and trends. Additionally, I would need to seek out specific courses to increase my education on special needs and research skills.

References:

The British Association for Early Childhood Education. (2013). http://www.early-education.org.uk/

Early Childhood Outcomes Center. (2013). http://projects.fpg.unc.edu/~eco/

National Institute for Early Education Research. (2013). http://nieer.org/