I chose New America Foundation as one of the national organizations-community of practice because it supports public policy and is committed to finding solutions to various issues. Finding of solutions requires efforts of public, private and civic sectors working together. The organization assists on finding solutions at the state, federal, and international level. Also by focusing on creating diverse thinkers, the organization relies on researchers and writers as well as looking to bridge technology, policy and academia by creating, testing and piloting new technologies and integrating them into solutions. The success of this organization requires collaboration within in many fields and the willingness to take risk and find out of the box solutions to many issues facing us today.
There are various job opportunities within various departments of the organization. One that caught my attention was the Policy Analyst for Education. This position will entail researching and reporting on federal education policies pertaining to early childhood through higher education as well as the workforce of the Departments of Health, Education and Human Services with a focus on budget and finance. The position requires analysis of qualitative and quantitative data. The requirements of this position include a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree in field related to public policy or economics. Ability to take feedback and work in collaboration as well as being well organized.
For more information visit the website: www.newamerica.org
I chose the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) as a national organization-community of practice because NAEYC is one of the leading organizations on early childhood education. Experts affiliated with this organization have the knowledge, know of or have completed research and developed best practices on various topics that support child development. Topics include attachment, child development and milestones, developmentally appropriate practices, curriculum and assessment, inclusion, health and wellness, parent education and engagement, teacher education and credentials, accreditation standards and quality and so much more. The organization provides numerous resources to all that are invested in early childhood.
Job opportunities that caught my attention were 1) Senior Director, NAEYC Academy of Early Childhood Program Accreditation. The position entails keeping the NAEYC standards as the Gold Standard of Excellence. Ensuring the support of quality improvement and providing reliable and valid assessment of quality. Works with states and other systems to form partnerships that utilize NAEYC accreditation as a cost-effective way to improve early childhood programs. Requirements include an advanced degree in nonprofit management, business administration and/or early childhood education/child development. Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skill; strong conceptual and analytic skills and talent for innovation. 2) Early Childhood Systems Technical Assistance Expert, State Preschool Development Grants. The position entails providing and managing technical assistance (TA) to Preschool Development Grant grantees states and focusing on ensuring high-quality preschool programs, expanding high-quality preschool programs in high-need communities, collaborating and supporting subgrantees, building professional development systems, and aligning curriculum. Requirements include Master's degree in early childhood education, child development, child psychology, education or related field. Experience with cross-sector early childhood systems, policies, and regulations. Expertise in preschool content areas to include providing TA, direct implementation of programs and policies. Providing presentations, developing publications. Experience working with multiple stakeholder groups as content advisor, participant, or TA provider.
For more information visit the website: www.naeyc.org/
I chose Zero to Three as a national organization-community of practice because this organization focuses on providing professional, parents, and policy makers with the knowledge, information that is founded on research and evidenced based practices to support the development of children starting at birth. Zero to Three develops, funds, and support various projects to support families and professionals. This organization has a policy center in which research based resources are shared with advocates, policy makers at the state and federal level in regards to the developmental needs of infants and toddlers.
Job opportunities that caught my attention were 1) Senior Training Specialist. The position entails being responsible for project activities including but not limited to content development, training, and facilitation pertaining to The Prenatal Through Age Five Workforce Development Project. Requirements include Master's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, special education, early childhood education or related field. Maintains an acceptable and respectful approach to others.
Is self-reflective and empathic. Encourages and practices critical thinking. 2) Senior Research Analyst. The position entails supporting research and evaluation projects throughout the organization.
Including the complete research process to include development, implementation and final report.
Requirements include a Master's degree in program evaluation or in a field of applied social science research. Strong knowledge of program evaluation and research methods. Ability to communicate effectively both written and verbally to various audiences. Strong interpersonal skills with ability to explain complex information in a simplified format.
For more information visit the website: www.zerotothree.org
