Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

 

The first organization that I want to share with my colleagues would be PAEYC (Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children); it is a local affiliate of NAEYC.  I am currently a member and enjoy the trainings, sessions, and resources that this organization provides to its members.  The communities members are close knit, the majority of directors in the Pittsburgh market are members of PAEYC.  PAEYC allows members the opportunity to become board members, currently one of my colleagues at work is a board member!  I would love the opportunity to become the Community Outreach Specialist or Director of Community Engagement, but these opportunities are not currently available.  Based on the knowledge I have about the people currently in these positions, advanced degrees in Early Childhood or Human Resources are needed, proven experience in community related organization and or special projects. 

 

In Pennsylvania, child care centers, family daycares, and group centers can be accredited through KeyStone Stars (PA Keys).  Centers are rated based on certain criteria and then awarded 1 to 4 stars.  Participating Keystone Star centers need to have a certain percentage of their students receiving subsidy care.  Each year these centers also receive a substantial grant to be used for center improvements, professional development, etc.  Teachers are also required to complete 24 hours or more of professional development each year.  I would enjoy working for PA Keys as a technical advisor; this person goes into centers and conducts their assessments for KeyStone Stars.  Typically, to become an advisor you must have at least a Bachelors in education, experience with the KeyStone Stars accrediting process, and have been a Director of a program for more than 3 years. 

 

The last organization I found is through a program called LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Related Disorders).  The program is called Early Childhood Partnerships (ECP), it is “a University-Community service and research collaborative dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children and families, especially those at developmental risk and/or with disabilities (birth to 8 years) and to enhancing the practices of the professionals who support them” (www.lend.pitt.edu, 2014). This program is comprised of professionals and students from the University of Pittsburgh who are in the Schools of Education and Medicine.  As far as career opportunities all I was able to find was the following, “Early Childhood Partnerships (ECP) has unique opportunities for ongoing practica and internships for Masters and Doctoral students from local and state universities; and some professional staff vacancies for skilled and committed professionals who thrive on interdisciplinary teamwork with community partners,” (earlychildhoodpartnerships.org). 

 

References

Early Childhood Partnerships.  (2014).  Retrieved from www.earlychildhoodpartnerships.org

            PA Keys.  (2014). Retrieved from pakeys.org

           

            PAEYC.  (2014). Retrieved from paeyc.org