Federal/National Organizations

The first organization I thought of, mainly because I have been thinking of it and wanting to try and get a job there, is the Department of Education.  I chose this because this is where the big decisions are made.  They have several several Education Program Specialist positions.  As of now, I do not qualify, even after I finish this degree program, because for that specific grade, I would need a year of experience.

Another organization I came across was the Finance Project.  I actually came across several interesting organizations thanks to the NAEYC.  It was difficult picking just a few to look at.  The Finance Project's mission statement:  "is a specialized non-profit research, consulting, technical assistance and training firm for public and private sector leaders nationwide.  We help leaders make smart investment decisions, develop sound financing strategies, and build solid partnerships that benefit children, families and communities" is what caught my attention (The Finance Project, n.d.).   Financing, funding, budget...whatever it is called, we are all having problems.  This organization works with individuals who are interested in helping our youth.  They have 4 different groups that focus on different aspects of education and the family.  As far as jobs, they have a senior program associate position available.  For qualifications, I will have the education and finance background, but not the experience with working with politicians and policy makers.  But this may be something I can try and work later on.

Another organization is the BUILD initiative.  This program works on improving early childhood systems that are geared towards the whole child, not just academics.  They utilize private and public funds to help not only the schools, but the families as well.  There are only a few states involved with this project, and unfortunately, SC is not one of them.  I was not able to find any kind of job opportunities on their website.

One final organization that caught my eye was Parents as Teachers.  I used this program while I was in WA, it was offered for free through the Army.  Unfortunately, because of funding, the program was cut.  However, I feel that this was a great program that could do a lot of good for families.  They would come to me and just observe, as well as talk to me about what was going on with Matthew, if I had any questions or concerns.  They also had packets, information, games, and other activities for each stage/milestone of his early years.  This was a great program, and one I think would be a good addition to my CoP.  :)



www.financeproject.org
www.buildinitiative.org
www.parentsasteachers.org

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

It was interesting to see all the different organizations and groups that are close to home.  The first one that I will mention is the Healing Species.  This one caught my attention because it puts animals and children together, specifically dogs that are rescued and children that come from abusive/neglecting families.  This one appealed to me because it brings two things I enjoy doing together, which is helping families and dogs.  I also believe that dogs have a peaceful, calm sense about them that can help others.

http://www.healingspecies.org/

Another organization that caught my attention was the SCAEYC, which is a chapter of the NAEYC.  I enjoy reading what the NAEYC is doing, and will look more in this chapter of it.

http://www.scaeyc.org/

Finally, the South Carolina Associate for Supervision and Curriculum Development also caught my attention.  As I was reading about this organization, I checked out their advocacy page, and saw that they are fighting for the Whole Child concept, which means that the whole child is considered, to include play.  We all know the importance of play, and how recess and other physical activities being removed from the school can negatively impact our children.

http://www.scascd.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=9&Itemid=80


I didn't look for any job opportunities within these organizations, but I had searched in the past for job opportunities at the Department of Education in DC, either as a program analyst or researcher or even budget analyst.  To get into the program side of the house, I would need at least a Master's in an education background.  Once I graduate, I am going to apply for a job to see if I qualify, then go from there.