Saturday, 22 November 2014

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

NAEYC is the first nation leading voice for high quality for early childhood education for children from birth through age 8. It is the largest organization working on behalf of children. NAEYC Position Statements state the Association's position on issues related to early childhood education practice, policy, and/or professional development for which there are controversial or critical opinions.
Mission Statement

NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.
Job Opportunity-
Early Childhood Education Journal Editor

NAEYC is seeking a Journal Editor to assume a major role in our Publishing Department.  This position requires identifying, editing, and writing excellent content for a peer-reviewed, research-based professional journal. Responsibilities include reviewing manuscripts submitted for publication to ensure that they address the most current research; meet our high standards for clarity, readability, and accuracy; reflect the principles of developmentally appropriate practice; and meet the professional development needs of a diverse audience. Essential functions include reviewing submissions and providing comments/suggestions to authors, contributing and managing editorial content, writing and editing, and researching and oversight of contracts and projects. In addition, the Journal Editor will contribute to the Publishing Department’s growth and evolution in writing, editing, and repurposing content for our digital audiences.
Candidates must have a BA degree in early childhood education (ECE) or a related field, 10 years of related work experience with significant autonomy, including teaching in an ECE setting, developing and delivering professional development, writing, and developmental editing.  Successful candidates will have extensive knowledge of child development and best practices in the care and education of children from birth through age eight and of the state and Federal policies applicable to early childhood settings. Also essential are excellent editing, writing, proofreading, and organizational skills, and experience in overseeing the production process for periodicals and other publications including print and digital products and professional development guides. Experience in managing the editorial process, including coordinating and reviewing the work of others is essential.  Excellent MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint skills, the ability to use or learn InDesign, Photoshop, Adobe, and other publishing software is also required.
This position reports to the Chief Publishing Officer.
Salary $70-$75k with excellent benefits.
To Apply: Send resume, cover letter, 3 professional references, and work samples as one document to Journal Editor/HR by November 30, 2014.

The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) is affiliated with the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University, a Research I institution.  NIEER supports early childhood policy development by providing independent research and analysis. The Institute’s work includes large-scale, multi-state evaluations of the effectiveness of PreK programs, randomized trials of alternative programs and policies, research syntheses, and national and international evaluations of early childhood programs.
MISSION STATEMENT

The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) conducts and communicates research to support high-quality, effective early childhood education for all young children. Such education enhances their physical, cognitive, and social development, and subsequent success in school and later life.
Job Opportunities

Applicants should be graduate students, have a BA or be upperclassman undergraduate students with a focus on child development, early childhood, psychology or related field. Knowledgeable about child development and developmentally appropriate early childhood teaching practices (e.g. Teacher) preferred. Experience in classroom settings and/or working with children highly preferred. Must be available to work 2-3x per week during data collection period; days are flexible and must be available to attend intensive trainings that vary between 2 days and a full week. The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate an excellent academic record (GPA should be 3.0 or better).

Mission statement

 It’s to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong START in life.

The Children's Defense Fund (CDF) is a non-profit child advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for more than 40 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. They champion policies and programs that lift children out of poverty; protect them from abuse and neglect; and ensure their access to health care, quality education and a moral and spiritual foundation. Supported by foundation and corporate grants and individual donations, CDF advocates nationwide on behalf of children to ensure children are always a priority.
Mission Statement:
The Children’s Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.

Job Summary

The Policy Associate is a key member of the Children’s Defense Fund- California (CDF-CA) team and works with colleagues and partners to advance CDF-CA’s work on behalf of children, primarily focused on providing policy, advocacy, communications, and outreach support to the California Children’s Health Coverage Coalition. Specifically, the Associate will work with the health team to maximize state and national investments in children’s health programs particularly Medi-Cal, ensure the Affordable Care Act is implemented in a way that meets the needs of children, and expand health coverage to all California children. The position requires regular travel to Sacramento, and periodic travel to Los Angeles, Washington, DC, and Clinton, TN. This is a full-time position based in the Oakland office; however, candidates from Sacramento willing to work remotely from a HOME OFFICE will be considered.

·      Commitment to CDF’s vision, including demonstrated interest in improving the lives of children and/or low-income individuals.
·      At least 2-3 years of relevant work experience in policy analysis, community organizing, political/issue campaigns, public speaking, outreach and/or coalition building.
·      Familiarity with state and federal policies that pertain to children and families.
·       Knowledge and experience with health policy, including the Affordable Care Act and Medi-Cal.  Familiarity with policy around trauma, child poverty and education is a plus.
·       Strong understanding of the policy making process, particularly at the California state level.
·      Excellent research and analytical skills.
·      Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences (advocates, press, and federal, state, and local policymakers and their staff) – including exemplary writing skills and strong public speaking skills.
·      Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
·      Ability to prioritize among multiple projects in a demanding environment.
·      A proven track record of working well within teams.
·      B.A. required, graduate degree in related field strongly preferred.

·       Spanish-speaking a plus.

Reference:




Saturday, 18 October 2014

Profile of a Volunteer




My husband and I’s philosophy in life is that God has created us to be of help to people around us in one way or the other and this is also what we are telling our children. This is part of what have been pushing me to see how I can have positive impact in the lives of the people around me. What came to my mind for this assignment was the time my husband and I volunteered other members in our church to sleep in a parking lot of a mall inside cardboard boxes, to raise money for a particular member’s family that are in a refugee camp in order to come to Canada. Sleeping on the street overnight made us to appreciate the grace of God in our lives by providing house for us to live. I later understood that it was a privilege not a right for us to have somewhere to sleep.  We were biting by mosquito, beaten by rain, exposed to cold and also the noise of the vehicle passing was something else. It was a great experience to know what the homeless people are passing through. Our aim is to inspire and motivate all those around us so that together we can generate positive change in the thoughts and actions of others. This actually encouraged others because they didn’t believe we could sleep on the street for the cause. They came around to join us to pain a building also to raise money which was as a result of the step we first took.
I was able to understand that if we don’t make a move to advocate for a cause, it would be very difficult for us to make changes in the lives others. When other people see what we are doing and the effort we are putting to make changes, I believe they would be motivated to join us. I really appreciate it at the end of the day to experience what it is for somebody to be sleeping on the street. As an advocate we have to be passionate about making changes in the lives of others in order to have effective advocacy. It’s what drives us to do what we are expected to do.
Not everyone today believes in the possibility of changing the world. Many people are beaten down by life and its injustices. We as young people live in the present but think of the future. We do not feel weighed down by the past or pre-occupied by the uncertainties of the future. We believe in building a more just, responsible and equal society as we feel it is the responsibility of each and every person.

Saturday, 11 October 2014

Social Media Advocacy



Social media is a form of internet way of implementing different social networks in order to communicate with people. It communicates information on the issues to members and the public. In advocacy using social media can help to reach more people that will be interested in the advocacy effort. It’s amazing to be a member of Walden University Early Childhood Organization (WUECO). The members are there to share their success, interests and something that will inspire and motivate others in this field. Facebook has improved the speed and efficiency at which information could be communicated.  
Facebook, blog and you-tube are the social media tools that I feel would lend themselves to effective advocacy. The blog assignment we do every week is one of the ways to educate and inspire others. Personally I’ve been able to learn and inspire through the blog assignment every week in one way or the other. You-tube is also an avenue to create people’s awareness about advocacy. This could be done may be by putting some of the advocacy information we give on you-tube e.g workshop, interview, campaign and so on. These could motivate others to join us in making changes in the lives of the children and families. Technology is rapidly changing and enhancing the landscape that grassroots advocacy campaigns operate in. The explosion of participation on social media web sites such as Facebook and Twitter makes it easier for associations to effectively recruit members and the public into their advocacy efforts.
I’m just wondering you think about social media as a tool to promote advocacy efforts.
Reference:
http://www.csae.com/Resources/ArticlesTools/View/ArticleId/81/Enhancing-Grassroots-Advocacy-Through-Social-Media

Saturday, 4 October 2014

Advocacy Through Advertising



I found the following advertisement messages to be so powerful in early childhood education
Description: http://images.canadianlisted.com/nlarge/early-childhood-education-college-textbooks_8561064.jpg

This advert is definitely talking about how important is physical activity in children’s development and it’s also talking about diversity that we are all equal.
Description: https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSTiukWY26pxdyLSlK5GRjDlL2bdUnDftwkzsBYbWjpjqyi3UJTCQ
The message in this advert is so powerful! Play brings joy. And it’s vital for problem solving, creativity and relationships bring joy. It’s important for problem solving, creativity and relationships. It’s both important for adult and kids.
Refernce:
https://www.google.ca/search?q=advertisement%2Bearly+childhood+education&biw=1173&bih=537&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=nq4vVL6DG8ngaPWsgrAG&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=XL-z3Ebj2BJwkM%253A%3B3fRY5KjchCCo7M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fimages.canadianlisted.com%252Fnlarge%252Fearly-childhood-education-college-textbooks_8561064.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fnewmarket.canadianlisted.com%252Fbooks%252Fearly-childhood-education-college-textbooks_3726655.html%3B378%3B450

Saturday, 27 September 2014

My Own Capacity




All the issues I’ve found impacting young children and their families fuel my passion, but the one that I decided to choose for this blog assignment is high quality education.in early childhood. Several decades of research clearly demonstrate that high-quality; developmentally appropriate early childhood programs produce short- and long-term positive effects on children's cognitive and social development (NAEYC, n.d). We need to invest in our children’s lives in order to save money in future and for our children to be more productive and resourceful.
The experience I have as a professional in this field and the knowledge I have in my master’s program will definitely benefit my advocacy work. In order to incorporate the skills I’ve been able to gain in my program, I would have to work with children and their families with the mindset that I’m there for them to make changes. This would be done by raising issues that affect the children and families and find solution to them.
Mobilizing a group of friends that are also passionate and knowledgeable about the issues relates to children and families. Another thing is to talk to my community leaders about the issue to be able to have their support.
One of the ways I hope to grow in order to be a more effective advocate is to be more involved in the issues and policies that relate with children and their families. Also to be more committed patient and ready to work with other stakeholders for effective advocacy.
Reference:
http://www.naeyc.org/policy/excellence