Jobs in the Early Childhood Education Community

The three national/federal organization or communities of practice that appeal to me are Children International, NEA (National Education Association) and US Department of Education. 

Children International appealed to me because they have four key outcomes for children to be healthy, educated, empowered and employed.  CI believes knowledge is power when it comes to staying health which is done by developing healthy habits and connecting children with services when they need help.  In the area of education, donations are used to support the education of children in secondary school.  Empowerment programs guides children in their program to build leadership and team qualities.  Finally, employment teaching children some of the basic skill of completing an application, developing a resume, along with mock interview training.  These skills are encouraged to develop workplace and technical skills in teen that could potentially change their lives.

NEA (National Education Association) The information that attracted me to NEA was the documentation about families working together with teacher for student success.  The web site provides parents with helpful tips that encourage them to work with along with teachers. 

US Department of Education made me realize I should do a better job at following new laws about education.  I was not aware that President Obama signed an update law on December 10, 2015 that focused on the clear goal of fully preparing all students for success in college careers. 

Job Opportunities

Children International has a position for a Public Affairs Specialist; the position requires the individual to

Serve as liaison for public affairs and represent the Agency in public affairs forums throughout the Federal government. 

Initiate and develop strategies for the dissemination of information to the public about CMS programs, issues, and activities. Evaluate problems in disseminating information about CMS programs to the public.

Establish and develop effective ongoing interpersonal relationships with media representatives and public affairs personnel of specialized groups which provide coverage of agency programs.

Research and write materials that reflect agency policy and philosophy, including material suitable both for use in conjunction with the Administrator's public pronouncements and for written positions/policy statements intended for general release.

Analyze communication problems with contacts, and advises and recommends specific information activities to correct these problems

NEA position I chose is Confidential Specialist/Senior Confidential Specialist (Workforce Planning/ Employee and Labor Relations), #H004.  A position the supports the NEA strategic objective to focus the energy and resource of its 3 million members toward the promotion of public education by providing professional Senior Human Resources Generalist expertise in the areas of workforce training and employee/labor relations. 

The skills and experience needed to fulfill this role is Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management and Five years of professional experience in Human Resources, with concentration in workforce planning with at least three years of progressive labor relations/collective bargaining experience. 

 The applicant must also possess skill that include Knowledge of design and implementation of workforce planning strategies.

 Proven ability to plan, organize and coordinate projects. Demonstrated high-level analytical, interpersonal, leadership and communication skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with individuals. Proven flexibility and effectiveness in handling multiple and complex projects simultaneously under stringent time frames and changing priorities/conditions. 

Demonstrated ability to handle confidential matters with discretion. 

Strong compliance knowledge of federal and state employment laws. 

Experience in position classification. Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills. Working knowledge of HRIS systems. Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills.   

Experience working for association or membership organization. Experience working in a union environment. Certified Workforce Planning (CWP) certification, Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP).

Master’s degree in human resources or organization development, other HR-related certifications. Knowledge of the mission and programs of the National Education Association (NEA).  The position is located in Washington D. C.

U.S. Department of Education

United States Department of Education has positions that are rather intricate; I chose an Associate Education Research Scientist/Analyst, the skills and experience this position requires is you must be a U/S Citizen and submit to a background check.  The applicant must possess the ability to develop plans for agency support of education research, evaluation, and statistics;

Oversee research, evaluation, and statistics activities and programs carried out or funded by the agency;

conduct scientific reviews of research, evaluation, and statistics plans and products;

Analyze data and synthesize information from education research and related areas;

 Prepare written products to convey research-based knowledge and information to a variety of audiences;

 Conduct evaluations of agency activities;

Engage in dissemination and outreach activities, such as publishing scholarly work and attending scientific conferences; and

 Consult with, or advise staff.

 Position requires a master's degree or equivalent experience in an appropriate field pertinent to the needs of Institute of Education Science such as cognitive, developmental, educational, or social psychology; economics; education; statistics. 

Associate Research Scientist must have experience conducting research in education-related fields or topics may include reading, teacher professional development, psychology and demonstration of research skills and knowledge.

Reference

Children International. Retrieved July 21, 2016 https://www.children.org/see-the-impact/charity-

            programs

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Retrieved July 21, 2016, from          

            http://www.ed.gov/essa?src=policy

NEA (National Education Association) Retrieved July 23, 2016, from http://www.nea.org/

United States Department of Education Retrieved July 23, 2016 from http://www.ed.gov/