- NC Institute for Child Development Professionals - I am very familiar with this organization as it is changing the way that educators are ranked (based on education and experience) in my state. This organization is actively working to help educators get the respect and wages that they deserve. They also push the importance of continuing education and showcase that on their website and via newsletters that are delivered to preschool directors across the state. The website, www.ncicdp.org, contains many useful resources to every type of ECE professional.
- The North Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children (NCAEYC) is the state affiliate of The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which I’m sure everyone is quite familiar with. This group’s members consist of all different types of ECE professionals across NC. Members get assigned to a local affiliate chapter in which the group focuses on challenges that face them in their particular community. More information on NCAEYC can be found at www.ncaeyc.org
- Smart Start and The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc. work to build and implement high quality learning environments for children of low-income backgrounds. They focus on the importance of school readiness, a topic that I feel very strongly about. Smart Start not only focuses on ECE however, they are focused on the whole child and work to ensure that each and every child in NC has access to health screenings as well, such as hearing, dental, vision, and developmental. You can visit www.smartstart.org to learn more about this organization.
There are so many different job opportunities that interest me within the field of ECE. One is the job in which I currently work, preschool director. As a director I’m able to work hands-on with families every, single day. The qualifications for this position are a BS/BA in ECE and 3+ years of experience. I would also love to work on the curriculum development team for the state of North Carolina, working with Smart Start, Head Start, or NC Pre-K. To be considered for this type of position, a MS in ECE is required along with field experience. It excites me that in six short weeks I will be fully qualified for this type of position. My ultimate goal in my career is to work with the state to help reform ECE. I’m not sure in what aspect I will achieve this goal, nor what I need to do to get there. All I know is that I have decided that I will continue to further my education after I receive my MS, and will pursue the Ed.D program for ECE. I hope that by continuing my education and getting more actively involved in these organizations and CoP’s, I will find the road that will lead me to this accomplishment.
Cassie, You post was very delightful to read and your dedication for young children is very clear. We share many of the same desires and interest, such as getting involved in the state pre-k programs, Head Start and curriculum interest. All of these areas are crucial in moving forward with quality education for our children. Working with children who are at risk or low SES is also something that I truly wish to focus my career on. It is my belief that these children can become high achievers if someone just teaches them to believe in themselves. Good luck on all of your future endeavors!
ReplyDeleteCassie,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to see that the NC Institute for Child Development Professionals is advocating for teachers. As a long time day care teacher I am all too familiar with the low wages that come with this position. Not to mention the lack of support and professional development opportunities. This is a difficult job and in order to ensure quality programs we must recognize and support these teachers. You have some amazing goals and I wish you luck on your journey. I am sure that you will make a great contribution to the field!
Tricia
Hi Cassie,
ReplyDeleteI like the communities you have chosen. I especially like the Smart Start community and who they serve. I think serving children from poverty stricken and low income families is very important to ensure their success throughout school by giving them a good start! I also think your goal of wanting to work towards reforming the ECE field is awesome as well! Thanks for your post!
Cassie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the opportunities that are available in North Carolina. It is a state that I may some day semi-retire to as my parents live there. Also, the program that I work for was founded in N.C. and remains at Child Care Choices, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship. I know that N.C. has allowed for many changes in the early care and education field. As we continue to move the field forward with our work I wish you much success and accomplishments to come.
Respectfully