Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

At least three national/federal organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you and why you chose them

·      The National Governing Board of NAEYC – Although this organization is far from new to me I remain dedicated to its mission and would like to contribute my expertise and my passion for the field to further advance that mission.  I reached a personal goal of being on the 2014 ballot for the NAEYC Governing Board.  Next time I would like to be elected.

·      The McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership – I would like to be able to attend the 2015 National Leadership conference presented by the McCormick Center.  The conference is an opportunity to “meet national experts, learn new skills, and gain the knowledge you need to be more effective in your leadership role. Equally important is the opportunity you’ll have to network with others who are doing similar work and experiencing the same challenges you do” (http://mccormickcenter.nl.edu/professional-development/national-leadership-conference/).  I believe the learning and networking possibilities would add to my personal community of practice and expertise.

Buffet Early Childhood Fund – I am inspired by this organization, specifically the Alliance for Early Success, and would like to learn more about them, the work they do and perhaps ways to get involved professionally.  Here is some information from their website.

Established in 2005, the Buffett Early Childhood Fund is committed to establishing a more level playing field for all children as they enter kindergarten — a goal that should be a given in any society that values equal opportunity.

In partnership with other funders, we seek to redefine "education" to encompass the first five years of life and learning through an integrated strategy to invest in:

·      Practice, through Educare schools in the nationwide Educare Learning Network

·      Policy, through the Alliance for Early Success and the First Five Years Fund

·      Knowledge, through the Harvard Center on the Developing Child (National Scientific Council on the Developing Child and the National Forum on Early Childhood Program Evaluation) and the work of Nobel Laureate in Economics James Heckman.

(http://www.buffettearlychildhoodfund.org/index.html)

Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest you

Working as a member of the Goffin Strategies Group.  “Goffin Strategies Group is dedicated to strengthening early childhood education's ability to provide effective programs and services for young children through leadership, systems, and capacity development. Results are achieved through customized consultation, including design, facilitation, and implementation of multi-stakeholder change initiatives, documents that analyze and promote understanding of complex issues, and strategy development.

The collaborative and results-oriented approach of the Goffin Strategy Group mobilizes people and organizations to become focused in intent and action” (https://sites.google.com/site/goffinstrategygroup/Goffin-Strategy-Group-Homepage).

Skills and experience you would need to competently fulfill each of these roles

To participate in and fulfill any of the above mentioned roles I would need to continue to develop my communication, facilitation, and strategic planning skills.  I would need to remain focused on learning and understanding important policy issues that are affecting young children and their families.  I would need to build my personal community of practice to ensure I would have a network of people who could support me as I learned.

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

At least three local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you, and explain why you chose them

Wyoming Early Childhood State Advisory Council – I would like to be on this council because it makes recommendations to the Governor based on needs assessments regarding the effectiveness of services, programs and activities affecting early childhood development.   I believe this would be a powerful way to contribute to the well being of Wyoming’s young children and families.

Wyoming Early Childhood Association (WYECA) – the state affiliate of NAEYC.  WYECA is involved in professional development and advocacy activities that promote the well being of young children and families.

Teton County Systems of Education – this organization is a collaborative group that is focused on creating a community where all children enter adulthood prepared to be a positive contributing member of society. 

Equipoise Fund – Their mission is “to energize, enrich and encourage the vision, voice and visibility of the women and girls of Wyoming” (http://equipoisefund.org/about-us/).  They do this through grants, initiatives and partners, and by creating, conversing and—most importantly—celebrating positivity.  Their work is rooted in social equity and social justice and they delight in helping the women and girls of Wyoming elevate their roles in their communities and in the state.  Several of their initiatives are focused on girls and adolescents. 

Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest you

Wyoming Kids First – “an early childhood systems building initiative governed by the Wyoming Early Childhood Partnership (WECP). The WECP was created to improve outcomes for Wyoming’s youngest children through the facilitation of collaborative, systemic actions that impact children’s preparation for success in school and in life. The organization was modeled after North Carolina’s Smart Start program and the North Carolina Partnership for Children” (http://www.wyokidsfirst.org/about-us/).  I would like to work for this organization in any number of positions because they have the ability to lead effective early childhood policy change in Wyoming.

 Skills and experience that you would need to competently fulfill each of these roles

I believe I have the beginnings of many of the skills it would take to fulfill each of these roles.  It is through experiences in these roles and others like them that would allow me to be able to develop my skills further adding to my ability to be an active member of the organization.  Each new role and experience contributes to the next level of competency. 

The Beginning of the End is Just the Beginning

"We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference, and that a small group of determined people can change the course of history." 

            Sonia Johnson      (http://www.successories.com/iquote/author/12540/sonia-johnson-quotes/1)

By following the link below you will see the Wordle I created related to the early childhood issues that keep me up at night.

http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/7808977/BC_Capstone 

All these issues challenge the field of early childhood and are related to a lack of   Equity in Programs that support young children and their families.

• Low Status of the Early Childhood Workforce 

• Affordability

• Accessibility

• High Quality

Starting today I will begin to pare down these issues and challenges to one focus for my Capstone Project where I feel I can make a difference.... From there I will determine how, with my friends and colleagues, I can change the world!