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.