National organizations that support my area of interest and future work:

National organizations that support my area of interest and future work:

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/

The Goals of this organization are to promote well-being, healthy development, school readiness and safety of children and their families.  They aim to make a difference in families.  The website stays current with initiatives and programs on behalf of families and children and shares helpful articles to promote family engagement.

National parenting Education Network http://npen.org/about-npen/

The goal of this organization is that all families will have the “information, resources and support needed to provide a nurturing relationship and an optimal environment that will encourage their children’s healthy growth and development.”  They have links to individual state organizations so will be a helpful resource.  This site provides resources and training for families.  Education for families is an important part of breaking the cycle of poverty and is a needed part of any family engagement program.

The National Family, School, and Community Engagement Working Group http://www.hfrp.org/publications-resources/browse-our-publications/national-family-school-and-community-engagement-working-group-recommendations-for-federal-policy

This organization informs the public on educational policy on family engagement.  It post several scholarly publications and also includes a section specifically on family involvement and practical tools for promoting and creating a family involvement.
Job opportunities

Non-Profit: I am very interested in working for a non-profit organization or starting my own that will assist families in their involvement with their children’s education.  There is a huge need for afterschool programs located within low income areas and communities.  I would be interested in starting a program for literacy and providing computer education as well as tutoring and other resources to assist them.  Before starting I would need to spend some time volunteering in similar organizations and learning more about non-profit work.

Home-School Liaison: I am also interested in working with children in crisis.  This would not be in a counselor role but in an education role, to assist them with their learning and individualizing a plan and program to assist them.  Qualifications would be the current degree I will have and experience working with families.  I would need an orientation on the sensitive issues and complexities of the field.
Inclusion Screening Specialist: This position requires a person not test the children but observe them and help the classroom teacher and families determine if testing is needed.  Requirements are a bachelor’s degree and a working knowledge of child development.

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Three local or state organizations or communities of practice

1. Association for Early Learning Leaders http://www.earlylearningleaders.org/

I was attracted to this organization because I noticed that one of the purposes of the group is to promote and create meaningful collaborative connections.  It is a place to grow in the field and find training and education which will lead to quality programs for our children.

2. Florida Children’s Council http://flchildrenscouncil.org/about-cscs/member-cscs/

This is a government body that oversees funding for programs and services that improve the lives of children and their families. It is a children’s advocacy organization.  Being involved with this group would help to shape important policy in my state. 

3. Child care Training, Resources and Networking http://www.childcarelounge.com/child-care-networking.php

This on-line community of practice will connect you with others so that you can collaborate and brainstorm.  When I was working as a director I felt very alone and isolated this sight has a message board, need advice area, weekly chats and a list of resources and child care agencies.

Jobs of Interest

 Department of Children and Families Child Care licensing agent

This job would entail making sure child care facilities are safe and also collaborating with directors and providing resources and training.  A bachelor’s degree in early childhood is required and experience working in management and supervision is required.

Early Childhood Development Coordinator

This position would be to provide oversight of Early Childhood Development and Education for the programs. This position is through Head Start so training in Head Start Performance Standards is a must.  This person would also assists with the development and implementation of staff development plans and training as well as offer technical assistance.  Requirements are a master’s degree in early childhood and 2 years of management experience.

Head Start Family Advocate

This position would entail working with children and families of diverse backgrounds and to be an advocate for both children and families.  Requirements are to attend workshops, trainings, conferences and meetings as necessary to perform successfully in the job duties.