Jobs and Roles in the ECE Community

The three organizations that I choose my appealing jobs from are Administration of Children’s Services, National Association for the Education of Young Children, and New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

Administration of Children’s Services: Is a federal agency that protects and promotes the economic and social well being of families as well as their values in the community. The job that is titled Deputy Director for Community Based Services appeals to me because it will provide opportunities for people from low income families to be involved in considering what they can use in their community to empower their lives. The experiences and skills for this job are the following: The ideal candidate will possess an MSW (Masters in Social Works) or related degree from an accredited college or university and four years of progressively responsible experience, including one year at the administrative or managerial level in a large governmental agency, business firm, civic or community organization operating in the area of social services; or the candidate must demonstrate commitment to the agency’s mission, values, and core beliefs; a record of proven leadership and middle management accomplishment; excellent group, facilitation, and communication skills; strong clinical skills; experience with managing a multicultural professional staff and expertise in culturally competent social work practice; bilingual a plus. The candidate should have a working knowledge of guidelines, policies, and regulations related to child welfare, safety, permanency, and well-being. The successful candidate will also possess excellent written and verbal communication skill; as well as excellent analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills; proficient knowledge in the use of NYS connections Database, Microsoft Word for Windows, Excel, and Access 2003 (“NYC Careers,” 2013).

            The second organization’s job is titled Executive Director 1 from National Association for the Education of Young Children. The organization’s mission is to serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights and well-being of all children with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental services and resources (“NAEYC,” 2013). The Executive Director job appeals to me because it will help me motivate people to appreciate themselves better so that they can pass the love and value they have for themselves to others. The skills and experiences required for this job are the following: The Executive Director will provide strategic vision and leadership to the organization; Board and staff support and development; management and oversight of all NAEYC operations; implementation of Board policy; and responsible stewardship and development of the organization’s financial resources. The Executive Director represents and promotes NAEYC, serving as the voice for young children, their families and educators and providing services to a diverse community of stakeholders. NAEYC believes high-performing organizations are inclusive and continually seeks to be enriched and strengthened by the wisdom of diversity. NAEYC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates should have a minimum of six years of relevant executive- or senior-level experience in an organization or association, education-related entity or foundation and have interest or experience in and/or understanding of early childhood education. A Bachelor’s degree in education, business or a related field is recommended; an advanced degree is desirable, and designation as a Certified Association Executive is an asset. Candidates must have strong communication, analytical, financial, fundraising, consensus-building and entrepreneurial skills, and the ability to foster creative, inclusive, transparent and engaged relationships with members and staff (“NAEYC,” 2013).

            The third agency’s job is titled Education Director from New York State Office of Children and Family Services. The agency’s mission is to promote safety, permanency and well-being of children, families and communities (“OCFS,” 2013). The Education Director job appeals to me because the agency always finds ways to motivate and appreciate its staff by recognizing and giving them incentives that enable them to perform better and bring out the best in them by making them compete against each other. The skills and experiences required for this job are the following: The Education Director will plan, direct and coordinate the educational activities in an Office of Children and Family Services facility. Interviews, hire, supervise and evaluate the facility education staff. Supervise education curriculum development. Maintain an in-service training program. Additional duties will be discussed in detail during the interview (“OCFS,” 2013). As a leader, motivator, and advocate, I will like to lead with a purpose in mind, which is leading by example. When leaders are loving, caring, valuing, and appreciating others, they are equally creating an atmosphere where those around them start to believe in themselves. I will also help others to connect their love for what they do to the need of the organization and integrate young and old generation of leaders together to facilitate optimum development.

 

 

 

 

References

Adminstration for Children’s Services. (2013). Job Posting Notice. Retrieved from http://a127-jobs.nyc.gov

 

National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2013). Job Opportunities. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/about/jobs

 

New York State Office of Children and Family Services. (2013). Employment Opportunities. Retrieved from http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us

 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

The three organizations with community of practice that I choose are Horizon for Homeless Children, Bright Horizons and Harlem Children’s Zone.

I chose Horizon for Homeless Children because they explained why it is important to care for homeless children. Homeless children often experience stress and trauma from loss of relationships, multiple moves, and exposure to domestic violence. Homeless children are more likely to have two times learning disabilities, three times emotional and behavioral problems, and eight times to be asked to repeat a grade. Early education can reduce the effects of stress and trauma and ensure future school success. Horizon provides early education, opportunities for play, family support services; they are improving the lives of young homeless children and their families. Our communities need to give the homeless a chance to learn, play, and thrive (www.horizonsforhomelesschildren.org).

The Harlem Children’s Zone( HCZ) inspired me because they provide a unique, holistic approach to rebuilding a community so that its children can stay on track through college and go on to the job market. The network comprises of early care, after school, social-services, health and community-building programs (dancing (kunfu), painting, cultural awareness of diversity, reading, farming, sports (running and cycling) and chess). HCZ  strengthens families as well as empowers them to impact their children’s development. For children to do well their families have to do well, for families to do well, their communities must do well. HCZ  provides its services and programs free of charge to children and their families (www.hcz.org).

I chose Bright Horizons’ focus on solutions that help employers and employees to live and work their best (www.brighthorizons.com). When an organization produces high level of well being for the members then they will deliver their performance and be sustained better. People whose lives are well managed at home are more successful at work.

The job opportunity that is available at Horizon for Homeless Children is Director of Policy and Advocacy and the qualification for the job are Bachelor’s degree (required), relevant Master’s preferred, minimum of 5 years of experience in public policy, legislative affairs or government relations, Knowledge of the state budget-making and legislative process in MA. Established relationships with MA legislators, government officials and staff (preferred), Demonstrated effectiveness at building consensus, collaborating, and convening multiple partners in efforts that produce specific  deliverables, the passion to advocate and speak-up for those who have no voice, willingness to register as an executive and legislative lobbyist in the State of Massachusetts, and comply with all reporting requirements and others  (www.horizonsforhomelesschildren.org).

The job opportunity at Harlem Children’s Zone is Community Organizer, Community Pride and the requirements for the job are A commitment to the mission and programs of HCZ, Bachelor’s degree with at least 1 year of experience in community organizing and/or advocacy; event planning and coordination, extensive experience performing community outreach and mobilization, experience advising and training community leaders, passionate about improving the lives of Harlem residents and their families, must be a team player and have the ability to take the initiative, great organization skills and have a keen sense of detail, excellent written and verbal communication skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Outlook, and Must have a flexible schedule, including working evenings and occasional weekends (www.hcz.org).

                The job opportunity available from Bright Horizons is Provider Network Account manager and the requirements to do the job are bachelor’s degree, or equivalent work experience, is preferred, provider relations or network management experience is required, a background in healthcare, research & referral, or another network management industry is strongly preferred, the ability to manage a small team and lead by example, willingness to travel (10-25%) is required as well, excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as excellent phone manner, experience with problem resolution and vendor negotiations preferred, proficient in basic Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook), general knowledge of the Internet (used to source recruitment leads), effective interpersonal and management skills, ability to work individually and in a team environment, ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment, and strong organizational, and time management skills as well as attention to detail (www.brighthorizons.com).

  

References

Horizon for Homeless Children www.horizonforhomelesschildren.org

Harlem Children’s Zone www.hcz.org

Bright Horizons www.brighthorizons.com

From Passion to Action