Jobs in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is one of the organizations that I would love to work with.  Their mission is to ensure that children have a safe, healthy, and happy childhood.  I always thought that their main concern was nutrition and safe water, but upon researching further I have discovered that they also have a strong focus on education.  They believe that is a child’s right to have adequate education.  They do many different projects in places such as Asia, Africa, and Afghanistan, as well as the US.  They also have developed a School-In-A-Box kit, which provides all the resources to hold class in virtually any place.  These have been used after natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina, and also in the aftermath of devastated war zones.

One of the jobs that I am particularly interested in is the Global Citizen Fellowship in Atlanta, Georgia.  This position is through the U.S. fund for UNICEF and is a 13 month program that prepares one to be a leader in public service.  It requires a knowledge and passion for those less fortunate and a commitment to learning about resources for others and the knowledge to link others to needed services.  The position is largely online but does also require the ability to travel for trainings and seminars.  An undergraduate degree is required and the position pays a $30,000 stipend for the 13 month period with a reimbursement of $3,000 for health insurance.  Although this is unlike any job I have ever help, I would love to apply and see what happens!

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is another organization that I am very interested in finding out more about their job possibilities.  NAEYC has been one of my go to entities for many years in the early childhood field and I would like to explore further opportunities with their organization.  I believe strongly in their mission and feel my passion for working with young children would be fostered by their ideals and activities.  The position of Communications and Information Specialist is currently available.  I have the qualifications, such as early childhood experience and good customer service skills, as well as an undergraduate degree so I believe that I would be a good match for the position.  This job requires helping those who are working on NAEYC accreditation by providing technical assistance and links to various resources.  Although it is not my dream job, it could open the door to other possibilities.

My third choice would be the Administration for Children and Families in the Office of Head Start.  I worked with Head Start, locally, for 13 years and it was one of the most rewarding times of my professional life.  I have always been interested in working with them on the national level and this week’s research confirms that my interest is still warranted.  Although there are not any available positions open at this time, I would like to work it the training and technical assistance department.  This would allow me to offer my expertise and experiences to other Head Start grantees as they strive to meet the requirements that are mandated.  My years with Head Start in a variety of roles, including:  assistant teacher, lead teacher, child development coordinator, center director, transportation coordinator, disabilities coordinator, and director, offers many perspectives and would be a valuable asset to this department.  I will have to keep an eye out for future employment opportunities!

I enjoyed this week’s assignment as it gave me a chance to dream and think outside of my little rural box.  I hope you enjoyed reading my blog and I have provided links below for all of the organizations that have me curious and hopeful!

Monette

UNICEFUSA

http://www.unicefusa.org

NAEYC

http://www.naeyc.org

Office of Head Start

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ohs