Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

     This was an excellent assignment for this course.  I have worked in the same school district and school for 18 years.  This year, I ventured out—just a little and transferred to another school.  I’m loving it… new school, new environment, different students and a wonderful teaching experience.  I said all that to say, I did not realize how difficult it is to locate employment. 

      From my search, I located a Childcare and Preschool Administrator position. I think this would be suitable to me because I desire to be a part of a team that contributes to young children and their families.  For this position, one I would work with a team of educators who evaluate early learner’s social and educational development.   After which, we would devise a plan to construct goals and objectives that are needed to advance the child successfully through his developmental phases.  This position is no longer available because personnel have met the quota for this position.  The ad stated the interested persons must currently posses a Master’s degree (preferably in education), have worked at least one year as an administrator and have worked at least three years with young children.   

     The second position is that of an Education Program Specialist for the Department of Education.  This appeals to me because in the benefit package, the specialist will receive equal leave for volunteering.  I thought that was a nice catch because I volunteer a great deal in my community and I can view this as an asset.  Two positions are available in the Washington, D. C. area.  The skills are very general for this position.  For example, degree that can be supplemented by 24 hours of course work in a related field or a combination of education and experience is required.  This position does not specifically require a Master’s degree but judging from the salary scale it sounds like a great starting point for a person who recently graduated. 

     The third position that I identified was a Pre-school Special Education teacher.  I currently posses a Louisiana teaching certificate in Special Education M/M K-12. This position is appealing to me because I have been told that I have a gift to work with special needs students and I immensely enjoy the challenge. For this position, I need to possess a valid Arizona teaching certificate. No prior teaching experience is necessary but a teacher must be able to motivate the students and establish and maintain classroom procedures.  Also, the teacher must be able to collaborate with other agencies, direct/evaluate Para educator, and maintain a cooperative working relationship with the student and the parents.