6990. Week 4. Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

-Organizations or Communities of Practice at National/Federal Level 

Voices for America’s Children

One of the organizations I have chosen is Voices for America’s Children, because it is a network of multi-issue child advocacy organizations. This nationwide network advocates for the improvements in the lives of all children and their families, paying more attention to the most vulnerable. Voices for America’s Children focus on six policy goals: equity and diversity, health, school readiness, school success, safety, and economic stability (Voices for America’s Children, n.d.). Voices for America’s Children ensure that children and their families have access to health care programs; they also helped the Head Start programs by ensuring additional money through the 2009 economic stimulus package. This organization works with nutrition programs legislation in order to provide meals for needy children and families (Voices for America’s Children, n.d.).

 



National Institute for Early Education Research

The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) conducts and communicates research to support high-quality, effective early childhood education for all young children (National Institute for Early Education Research, 2013). The institute offers research not only to researchers and policy makers, but also to journalist and educators. Working with other organizations the institute looks for the improvement of the quality of early education practices, as well as to stimulate national and state discussions of early education policy, based on current, coherent, and vital information about the field.  

Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute

The Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (FPG) is one of the nation's oldest and largest multidisciplinary centers devoted to the study of young children and their families (FPG Child Development Institute, 2013 ). This institute has influenced, with its research, how the programs have been taking care of and educated young. The researchers have focused their investigations on projects related to racial, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity, as well as developmental disabilities; early care and education; physical and social health; professional development, technical assistance, and implementation science; and public policy and evaluation. Besides the research projects, the institute has a nationally accredited childcare center that serves 80 families with young children (FPG Child Development Institute, 2013).

 

-Job opportunities, skills, and experience

Data Collectors

The National Institute for Early Education Research is seeking Data Collectors year-round. 

Applicants should be graduate students, have a BA or be upperclassman undergraduate students with a focus on child development, early childhood, psychology or related field. Knowledgeable about child development and developmentally appropriate early childhood teaching practices (e.g. Teacher) preferred. Experience in classroom settings and/or working with children highly preferred. Must be available to work 2-3x per week during data collection period; days are flexible and must be available to attend intensive trainings that vary between 2 days and a full week. The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate an excellent academic record (GPA should be 3.0 or better).

 

Lately, I have been interested on the work the researchers do, maybe because I am more aware of the fundamental role their information plays in the improvement of the education field. I consider I have all the qualifications for this position :)

 

Learning Curriculum Manager

The Learning Curriculum Manager at VTech will be responsible for the educational quality of content and pedagogy across all products including toys, platforms, and online content. This position will set and recommend strategic content direction and curriculum guidelines for all product categories, working closely with both the US and Hong Kong product development teams to ensure the alignment with the product line’s content goals.

Our ideal candidate will have the following experience:

-Formal training and experience in product development/product design as it relates to the development of consumer product goods with an emphasis on infant/preschool learning.

-Familiar with traditional and innovative strategies for teaching, learning, and assessment in both formal and informal settings.

-7+ years of experience teaching with, or designing, technology-enhanced learning materials in informal learning environments (homes, museums, after-school programs) or early childhood classrooms.

-Strong writing and grammar skills a must.

-Very organized, attention to detail, and self-motivated.

-Bachelors Degree in Child Development, Education, the Learning Sciences, or related fields is required.

-Limited travel to Hong Kong to meet with development teams for content direction review.

I decided to share this position because I think it is an interesting and different way to influence the education field, despite the fact that I do not meet all the requirements, like the 7 years of teaching experience, or the formal training and experience in product development/product design. In case anybody is interested in this position, this is the link with the information http://vtechkids.iapplicants.com/ViewJob-414419.html

References

FPG Child Development Institute. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.fpg.unc.edu/about-fpg  

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

Voices for America’s Children. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.voices.org/

P.S. I apologize in advance for the white background appearing in some parts of my post.