Over the past few years, my work in state government has drawn me into the world of policy and legislation. I spent about eighteen years of my adult life operating a child care center and loved my hands-on work with children. I am now interested by the policies that drive that work, and how funding can determine those policies.
The first organization I read about is the Center for Law and Social Policy, Inc. (CLASP). This non-profit organization works to improve the lives of low income families through policies. They are seeking a Policy Analyst in their Child Care and Early Education department. This person would work with others on the team to improve access to high quality care for low income children. What a perfect match. That is exactly what my capstone project is about. This job would involve researching policies on child care subsidies and analyzing data. It requires a Master's degree in public policy, or early childhood education. I would meet those qualifications and have a passion for the content of the job. However, the job is in Washington DC which I am not willing to leave my home state.
NAEYC has a job opening for a Communication & Information Education Team Specialist. This job involves working with programs and providing technical assistance in becoming NAEYC accredited. A Bachelor's degree in Communications is preferred but having early childhood education experience is a plus. Again this job is in Washington DC.
I also looked on the Zero to Three website and found a job opening as a Senior Program Associate. This job is also around technical assistance with Early Head Start programs. The job requirements are a Bachelors degree so I would have that but the location of the job is in Washington DC. I would also have to do a lot of work with technology so that may be a drawback.
All of these organizations do such great work in support of children and families. Unfortunately the types of positions I am interested in deal with legislation and policies. These jobs seem to be located in Washington DC.
http://www.clasp.org/about/jobs/policy-analyst
http://www.naeyc.org/about/jobs
http://www.zerotothree.org/about-us/careers/jobs/
Hi Mary Jo, I tink that it is admirable that yu wish to work in policy and regulations because it is very important to the field of early childhood. As an early childhood teacher, I know first hand that it is important that there are people who are committed to making policy changes, and working towards implementing new rules and regulations concerning early childhood. I think you have chosen very important jobs that will help the early childhood field as a whole.
ReplyDeleteI have worked in the early childhood education field for about 19 years now and I have always been in the classroom, but I think if we want to promote change within our field it starts with the policies and regulations like you are involved with. It is very honorable with what you are dealing with and involved in, because that is where change happens. I did notice that having a master's degree covers the educational requirements for most jobs, but then they require additional steps to actually qualify for the jobs. An early childhood education professionals work is never done. Great job.
ReplyDeleteI also decided to go with NAEYC and Zero To Three organizations. Referring to Lindsey Norman I've worked for Early Childhood Education for 15 years now, and I also been in the classroom. I've earned an Associate, Bachelor's, and working on my Master's. I can see the change and growth not only in the children but myself as well. I'm more confident, wiser, and comfortable in what I do. To have children learn as much as they can.
ReplyDeleteDear Mary Jo,
ReplyDeleteWhile I was doing my research I also was unsatified that most of the job openings that I wanted were in D.C. Since I'm married and with 2 little girls I definitely do not see myself over there whatsoever. Besdies, all the jobs in leadership required more than 5 years of experience, and I'm still a rookie. I know that my time will come,but for now, I'm happy were I'm right now. Being a first grade is awesome, but I defenitely see myself growing in my professional area.