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

The three organizations that I have chosen to explore are Head Start, NAEYC, and Zero to Three.  Each of these organizations are leaders in the field of early childhood and are making ongoing, sustained efforts towards the provision of  high-quality care environments and supports for children and families.

The three job opportunities that I have chosen to look into are:

Head Start Reviewer

This position requires extensive knowledge of Head Start Standards and monitoring protocol, high levels of ethics and professionalism, the ability to be flexible in work schedule, willingness to travel, and computer proficiency.

There will be training requirements specific to the position if education and experience requirements are met.

NAEYC Assessor

This position has a five step process which includes filling out the application, having a phone interview, passing a criminal background check, completing a contract for services with the NAEYC Academy, and successful completion of the Assessor tools which is to determine reliability.

Education requirements are a minimum of a bachelor’s degree that includes credit hours of specialized college-level work in child development and learning from ages birth through kindergarten levels.  Applicants must have relevant experience in early childhood settings related to ages birth through kindergarten, understanding of the NAEYC accreditation process, skill with completing observations and tools to complete them, interpersonal and communication skills, basic knowledge and skill using technology for data collection purposes, and basic administrative and professional communication skills when using technology.

Physical and travel requirements include being able to stand or sit at child level for one hour or more, ability to use stairs and walk distances up to half a mile, hold a valid driver’s license.  You must be able to make travel arrangements and accommodations for hotel.  Assessors are required to carry out about 30 assessment visits, complete trainings required for professional development, and pass evaluations.

Zero to Three Senior Writer/Training Specialist

This position requires a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood or a related field.  One must possess a strong knowledge base of Early Head Start program development, performance standards, and the EARLY Head Start Migrant and Seasonal Head Start technical assistance resources.  There is an emphasis on infant and toddler knowledge, cultural context knowledge, and adult learning.  This person must be flexible, self-motivated, able to multi-task and willing to travel. 

Duties and responsibilities include leading teams in the development of webcasts, podcasts, webinars, written products related to deepening understanding of and development of innovative approaches to the needs of the Early Head Start community.  Able to provide training for federal staff, liaison between programs, and other duties as needed.

Each of these positions would enable a professional in the field to have a substantial impact upon making positive growth and change that will benefit children, families, and the field of early childhood.  The potential for growth and professional development are limited only by oneself.