International Positions to Explore

What I have enjoyed most in my 20-year career in early childhood is the fact that I can touch hundreds of lives every year. As a Head Start teacher, an Infant Toddler Specialist, and now in my role as a Professional Development Coordinator, I have worked with thousands of children, families, early childhood teachers, program administrators, and community advocates. Through my work, I have shared my education and experience to help these groups of people grow in various ways. Exploring an international perspective, I have found three new positions that would compliment my goals to help children, families, and early childhood professionals.

  

The mission of the Association for Childhood Education International, “to promote and support the optimal education, development, and well-being of children worldwide, and to influence the professional growth of educators and the efforts of others who are committed to the needs of children in a changing society,” (http://acei.org/) compares to my professional mission. I am interested in being a Country liaison for this association. In this role, I would discover the Early Childhood world in a particular country and then covey their work, issues, trends, and needs to advocates and professionals who can impact their work. 

“The Consultative Group on Early Childhood Care and Development works actively to identify gaps, critical issues and emerging areas of need and interest related to ECCD for its work in awareness-raising, advocacy, and dissemination, and to seek out new partners” (http://www.ecdgroup.com/ ). As one who designs professional development to address issues and trends of the early childhood field, I would flourish working in this environment. One of my strengths is to improve practices to bring about positive outcomes.

A third international non-profit organization that caught my attention is RTI International. RTI is “dedicated to improving the human condition by turning Knowledge into practice” (http://www.rti.org/). This organization is focused on improving conditions through research, professional development and training, and advanced technology. I have recently found a renewed enjoyment in researching topics and subjects that effect education and early childhood. Working as a researcher at RTI International, I would be able to combine my research skills with my love of impacting children and families. 

To be job-ready for these international positions I would need to become highly educated on various national perspectives and cultures from around the globe. Additionally, I would definitely need to learn various new languages to be effective in this work. The education I have gained through the MSECS program, specifically in research and cultural diversity, is an asset to this work. I was enlightened in this research and exploration of so many organizations that are working to better the field of early childhood.

References:

Association for Childhood Education International. (2011). Retrieved from http://acei.org/.

The Consultative Group of Early Childhood Care and Development. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ecdgroup.com/.

RTI International. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.rti.org/page.cfm?obj=9F0847E9-EC67-4EE6-BDB730D37AD56D61.