Week Four

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

Council for Exceptional Children
Its Core Values are what attracted me to this site:

• Dignity and worth of all individuals.
• Diversity and inclusiveness.
• Advocacy and social justice.
• Professional excellence, integrity, and accountability.
• Full participation in society.
• Effective individualized education.
• Family engagement.
• Collaboration and community.
• Responsibility to members. 

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is an International membership organization for special education professionals. 
The available position that interests me is Professional Development Manager. The Professional Development Manager develops, coordinates, and conducts customized trainings and also participates in needs assessment activities.

Requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of  four years experience in the areas of special education (preferred), product development, and professional development or equivalent background;
• Demonstrated knowledge in professional development and experience in developing, execution and evaluation of training;
• Demonstrated knowledge of special education teaching methods and learning strategies;
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in database management, including report development and production;
• Strong oral and written communication skills and effective interpersonal skills with a keen ability to collaborate across the organization;
• Demonstrated excellence in customer service skills;
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and respond positively to changes in activities and priorities;
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate and detailed records and materials in an organized manner;
• Computer proficiency in applicable software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite;
• Ability and willingness to travel within the DC Metro area and out of town periodically for meetings as assigned and the CEC annual convention and expo.

The website for CEC is:http://www.cec.sped.org/


Zero to Three
Zero to Three promotes the health and development of infants and toddlers. This organization provides up to date information and resources for parents, professionals, and policymakers. I chose this organization because I have used Zero to Three as a resource for training information and to learn more about infants and toddlers. I have also found their resources regarding child abuse to be very helpful in my work.

The available position that interests me is the Senior Writer/Training Specialist.

Requirements include:

Support efforts to deepen understanding of the needs of the EHS community and develop innovative approaches through the following:

• Lead the development of up to 3 EHSNRC deliverables (i.e. webcasts, webinars, podcasts) 
• Lead the development of at least one written product (i.e. TA papers, tip sheets) and contribute content to other written products
• Serve as content lead on AIAN specific issues; infusing cultural content specific to AIAN programs into all aspects of EHS NRC work; 
• Ensure presence of infant-toddler materials and resources specific to AIAN program staff and family needs on ECLKC and EHS NRC websites; 
• Provide training for federal staff, TA providers and EHS/MSHS programs (including specialized trainings focused on content pertinent to American Indian and Alaskan Native programs) as requested; 
• Ensuring there is a robust session offering with a cultural perspective for content that is relevant to AIAN programs, for the annual Birth To Three Institute; 
• Serve as a liaison between EHSNRC and other technical assistance providers and National Centers.

The website for Zero to Three is: http://www.zerotothree.org/

National Head Start Association

The National Head Start Association (NHSA) works to empower all at-risk children to succeed in life. I have always been attracted to its advocacy for at-risk children and their families and its strong vision:

• All children should reach their full potential,

• Every child can succeed,

• We can impact the success of at-risk children, and

• Quality early education fundamentally transforms children and families

The available position that interests me is the Policy, Data, and Research Fellowship. Although this position is only a year long position, I thought it was a great opportunity to learn research and data analysis.

Requirements include:

• Familiarity with and commitment to Head Start and the diverse communities Head Start programs serve.
• Strong academic success, including a bachelor’s degree at a minimum and coursework in statistics and/or quantitative research methodology.
• Demonstrated analytical abilities for synthesis of information and identifying themes and relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to be comfortable and assertive working with large and small groups. 
• Strong attention to detail, superior organizational skills, and computer literacy. 
• A high level of energy, ability to multi-task, and sense of humor. 
• One to three years relevant work experience. 

The website for NHSA is: http://www.nhsa.org/