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

1. Administration for Children and Families - Department of Health and Human Services
• They currently have a Program Specialist position open in 11 different cities throughout the United States.  You would be working in the Office of Head Start and/or Office of Child Care and provide advice and technical assistance to Head Start grantees that includes programmatic and fiscal oversight responsibilities https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/367413200.  I chose this position becuase it is something that I would like to eventually do.  Being able to work with and help other programs throughout the country appeals to me. 
• I would need to have the following skills:
• Communication Skills
• Understanding grants
• Knowledge of research in early childhood
• Knowledge of reading and interpreting data.
• Budget Planning
• Supporting staff
• Knowledge of understanding policies and procedures
• Mentoring
2. The National Center on Quality Teaching and Learning (NCQTL) is a research center operated by the University of Washington. 
• They currently work  toward these overarching goals:
• To identify the research-based practices that support school readiness.To work with Head Start programs and staff to inform development of relevant training materials and products.
•  To improve professional development through individualized and innovative coaching and mentoring strategies for Head Start teachers and staff.
• To encourage effective transition to kindergarten.
• To professionalize early childhood education and to develop and implement degree-bearing higher education curricula that is affordable, accessible, relevant and effective for Head Start teachers.
• They currently have a higher education manager position open.  I previously worked with this National Center to do trainings for our Head Start program.  I really enjoyed how they train on school readiness and how to plan and implement the outcomes of your programs data in the classroom. 
• I would need to have the following skills:
• Communication Skills
• Knowledge of research in early childhood especially in regards to school readiness
• Knowledge of reading and interpreting data.
• Budget Planning
• Supporting staff
• Knowledge of understanding policies and procedures
• Mentoring

https://education.uw.edu/faculty-and-research/centers/NCQTL

https://uwhires.admin.washington.edu/eng/candidates/default.cfm?szCategory=jobprofile&szOrderID=107428&szCandidateID=0&szReturnToSearch=1

 

3. National Institute for Early Education Research

• They currently have a Data Collector position open.  It doesn't say how many they are looking for but this is something any of us could apply for.  They are looking for graduate students to collect data 2-3x a week during data collection period.  This opportunity caught my eye because they do research and analysis in early childhood. 
• I would need to have the following skills:
• Communication Skills
• Knowledge of collection data
• Knowledge of research
• Graduate student
• GPA of 3.0 or higher

 



Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

1. Washington State Department of Early Learning  
• They strive to help create safe, healthy, nurturing learning experiences for all Washington children. Our work focuses on the earliest years in children’s homes, child care, school programs and communities. We offer information and resources for children's first and most important teachers—parents—as well as others who care for and teach young children.  http://www.del.wa.gov/Default.aspx
• They currently have a Pre K Specialist position open.   The Pre-K Specialists use their expert knowledge of comprehensive preschool programming, early learning, health, family involvement and partnerships to support ECEAP contractors' continuous quality improvement under the Early Achievers quality framework. Pre-K Specialists provide coaching, training and technical assistance and support integration of Early Achievers in ECEAP. Pre-K Specialists monitor contractor compliance, develop and interpret ECEAP Performance Standards, lead and participate in special ECEAP projects, and support DEL and division work in early learning.
• I would need to know the following or have specific skills: 
1. Communication Skills
2. Understanding developmentally appropriate practice.  
3. Knowledge of family support.  
4. Knowledge of research in early childhood.  
2. Child Care Aware of Washington 
• There mission statement is To support families and caregivers, shape policy, and build communities that promote the learning and development of children and youth throughout Washington State through a strong statewide network of local child care resource and referral programs. http://wa.childcareaware.org/
• They currently have a Finance Director position open.  Finance Director plays a key role in monitoring and reporting on CCA of WA’s programs, developing fiscal policy and administering employment and human resources policies. 
• I would need to know the following or have specific skills: 
1. Communication Skills
2. Budget Planning 
3. Knowledge of writing policies and procedures
4. Supporting staff. 
3. Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
•  There mission statement of the Muckleshoot Department of Education is to provide a seamless system of excellence in education from birth through higher education in which the culture, history and language of the Muckleshoot people is integrated into every aspect of the education system. http://www.muckleshoot.nsn.us/services/department-of-education.aspx
• They currently have a Early Childhood Education Coordinator position open.  This positions provides leadership, coordination and administrative support in the ongoing development, implementation and administration of all phases of the Early Childhood Education Division curricula. The ECE Coordinator will develop and/or enhance curricula, select storybooks and other materials, train teachers, and assess educational programs for quality and adherence to the School Readiness Plan and tribal and federal early learning standards. The ECE Coordinator will specialize in all domains of the Child Development Early Learning Framework. In addition to developing and/or enhancing curriculum, this position will plan and provide onsite education for teachers and administrators.
• I would need to knwo the following or have the specific skills:
1. Communication Skills
2. Supporting Staff
3. Knowledge of Developmentally Appropriate Practice
4. Mentoring
5. Knowledge of policies and procedures