Branching Out

Because of the extensive work that they do to improve early experiences for children, as well as professional support for adults, I chose to search the NAEYC (n.d.) site for possible employment opportunities. Surprisingly, the first position that I found, was a Regional Training Associate whose primary responsibility would be to travel extensively throughout the west and southwest conducting seminars and workshops for early childhood educators. Among many other requirements is the ability to teach adults, taking into consideration the diversity and population of each specific group.

Additionally, the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University (2012) strives to improve early experiences for young children through creating innovative programs that not only support children directly, but support educators, caregivers, and families as well. On this site, I found a position for a project director in the area of Education and Leadership Development. The responsibilities of this position range from fundraising and presentations to research and collaboration with others in the field. The overall goal of this program – and center – is to create meaningful initiative that will help to build strong leaders for the future. Unfortunately, I do not yet possess the extensive leadership qualifications that this job requires, but certainly sets  a standard by which to prepare myself in the next several years.

Finally, I diverted from early childhood slightly and explored the Association for Continuing Higher Education (2008) which is dedicated to the support and development of those continuing their education, also providing a platform for collaboration and supportive networking. While this organization did not have any directly associated postings, they do provide an extensive job bank of member organizations. One position on this list that I found interesting would be an Early Childhood Mentor at the University of Mississippi which consists of traveling the state helping early childhood educators improve their instructional strategies and overall interactions with children and families specifically associated with the Mississippi Building Blocks project.

This relatively young project “is a private-sector funded pilot program designed to assist existing childcare centers in making improvements to their programs by improving teaching and learning in licensed child care centers; strengthening parenting skills; and improving school-readiness among entering kindergartners” (2012).

Association for Continuing Higher Education (2008) Retrieved from http://www.acheinc.org/

Harvard Center on the Developing Child. (2012). Retrieved from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/

Mississippi Building Blocks. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.msbuildingblocks.com/mx/hm.asp?id=Mission

National Association for the Education of Young Children. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/