There are many roles in the field of ECE that I am interested in. I have worked in many different roles but I want to try some different things as I continue working in the field.
One organization that I am interested in is the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education. This state organization is responsible for licensing child care centers and family child care homes in NC. One of the job opportunities that interests me is that of NC Child Care Consultant. This job requires a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field and some field experience. This job involves visiting established childcare centers and homes to regulate compliance with licensing laws. It also involves helping interested parties set-up new childcare centers and homes. I believe, with my 22 years of experience in the early childhood field, that I have much to offer and could be a great resource for the centers and homes as they strive to meet and maintain standards. I would like to be able to use what I have learned, as a childcare owner and director, to help others.
Another organization that I am interested in is Smart Start/North Carolina Partnership for Children. This organization focuses on services for children and families 0-5. Their mission is to provide every young child the opportunity to become successful and ready for school. In the past I worked for our local partnership for children as an early childhood specialist, but I would love the chance to work at the state level. One of the positions that interests me is: Programs Director. This position involves providing technical assistance to local partnerships throughout the state and helping to identify and develop strategies and programs to promote quality early childhood services. I think that I would love this position as it plays on my desire to work with both children and adults. It requires a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, as well as seven years of professional business experience in the early childhood field and five years of supervisory experience. I think I am a perfect match!
The third organization that I am interested in is the North Caroline Community College System. I am teaching a couple of classes this semester, at my local community college, but I am under the direct supervision of the department head and must have all of my assignments and interactions approved and monitored due to my status as “student teacher”. I absolutely love teaching these classes and look forward to each new week. I am able to share my experiences with others and I feel comfortable and competent discussing early childhood issues. I have four community colleges within 60 miles of my home and I would be open to teaching at any of them. According to the website, teaching early childhood courses requires a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field with at least 18 hours of early childhood courses. I know that I have the experience and passion for teaching early childhood educators and hopefully, with the obtainment of my degree, I will fulfill my lifelong dream of teaching at this level.
Thanks for reading my blog!
Monette
Dear Monette,
ReplyDeleteThe position you are interested in here in California it is called a program analyst, where they visit child care centers (unannounced) to inspect and ensure that centers are in compliance with Title 22 regulations. State Child Care licensing offices offer orientation classes called step 1 & 2, where they educate the community, educators, and center owners on the most updated regulations. Since you are in a different state, what is the procedure for such orientations. Does the dept. offer such opportunities for you? Would you consider attending to one before deciding to take on this role? Thank you for post, I enjoyed reading it.
Best Regards,
Marijan :)
I love how this assignment asked us to dream big. Sounds like you have lots of opportunities in North Carolina and your new masters degree will open even more doors for you. Exciting stuff. I do not anticipate a job change in the immediate future but it was fun to think about what new possibilities there are for each of us. I sent you an email with an example of a state approved curriculum for you to look at. I hope it is helpful in some way. Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteDear Monette:
ReplyDeleteI am happy to read your blog. I am inspired to continue to explore the so many opportunities that are opened to each of us.You are indeed one of my resource personnel, as I think of using this degree in adult education at the college level as well in the near future. Thank you for your post!
Sharon Munroe.
Hi Monette,
ReplyDeleteI loved reading as you dreamed about new directions in your career! I agree, the programs director at Smart Start sounds very intriguing and from what I've read about you, looks like a great option. Systems level work, especially on a regional level, can be a challenge as initiatives come and go, but being part of the support network for early childhood professionals is very rewarding work!
Looking forward to reading more about your career choices as this course goes on!
Lisa