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

After exploring many communities of practice on a national or federal level, three were identified that appeal to me.  The first national community of practice that appealed to me was the Early Childhood Community of Practice located at http://www.tapartnership.org/COP/earlyChildhood/default.php. This community of practiced appealed to me because it deals directly to young children and the issues and challenges that are faced by early childhood professionals.

The second national community of practice that appealed to me was the Teacher’s research initiative sponsored by NAEYC. This community of practice can be located at http://www.tapartnership.org/COP/earlyChildhood/default.php. I am really interested in this community of practice because I have a strong passion for research and research findings. I believe that research is the foundation in addressing any challenge or issue that is encountered in the field of early childhood.

The final national community of practice that appealed to me was the National Association for Special Education Teachers located at http://www.tapartnership.org/COP/earlyChildhood/default.php. Although I am not a special education teacher, my work and Capstone project pertains directly to children that suffer from disabilities.

One job of interest to me that is currently not available is a lifestyle/career coach for adults that suffer from behavioral problems or autism. It is essential to guide and prove young children with the tools they need that possess these disabilities, however, little thought has been put on whom will assist these children acclimate into society when they become adults. That is why this position interests me.

A second job of interest to me that is currently available to be is an after school program staff trainer from disadvantaged and disabled children. Although I love working with children, I find this job interesting because it would allow me to share my experiences and knowledge in order to better prepare other early childhood educators to change the lives of children.

A final job of interest of me that is currently available is a community transition specialist. This job is of interest to me because it allow the professional to assist young children and older children through the transitional process of entering into a new educational phase.

All three of these jobs of interest require a minimum of a 4-year degree in special education or early childhood education. All three jobs also require the applicant to be an excellent communicator, computer literate,  patient and compassionate, and a leader.