Jobs/Roles in Early Childhood Education on the National
/Federal Level
Since
my background in early childhood has been varied over the past 25 years, there
are several dream jobs I would feel I could do well and make a difference in
the lives of children and families. I
was somewhat surprised to actually find some postings when I began to research
opportunities for this assignment.
The
first position I would consider as a Grantee Specialist for ICF International.
This is a large corporation that meets the training and technical assistance
needs for many different industries and service organizations, including Head
Start. As a Grantee Specialist, the
person works with Head Start programs that have been identified as having a
program deficiency. Their base is in
their own home and there is considerable travel involved with the position.
Grantee Specialists also facilitate professional development at the request of
Head Start programs they are assigned to.
ICF International is a well-respected organization that prides itself on
being innovative. For this position, a Master’s degree with a
strong concentration in program design and management is preferred along with
five years’ experience as a Head Start director. I enjoy trouble shooting,
educating adults and helping with the strategic planning process so I think
this would be a good fit for me.
The
next position I would consider would be as a Director for the National
Association for the Education of Young Children’s Academy for Early Childhood Education
(NAEYC). This job supports programs completing the NAEYC accreditation
process. I think I could use my years
of experience working in the field to help directors prepare for the process.
I would
also consider a position as a Program Specialist in the Region 3 office of Head
Start. This position supports the direct
service providers of Head Start within a specific geographic area. As a Program Specialist, you provide guidance
and support to program directors as they formulate school readiness goals,
family engagement strategies and general program management concerns. Having been on the other side of the position
as a program director, I feel I would have not only formal education in early
childhood but also working knowledge of the challenges directors face.
The
last position I found as I researched jobs on a national level would be a Grant
Reviewer for the Administration for Children and Families which is a component
of the Department of Health and Human Services. This Federal department reviews
all applications for Head Start funding. After being trained on site in
Washington, DC, most the reviewing is done virtually with a cohort of
specialists. The group includes experts
in the early childhood field as well as financial experts and health nutrition
experts. Again, having written several
grants over the years, I feel I would be a working knowledge to the process.
Thank you for sharing. Being director for the (NAEYC) sounds like a fun and interesting job to have. I never thought about becoming a Grant Reviewer for the Administration for Children and Families. This job would be good to have because you can help those in the early childhood field who are seeking grants. You could also host trainings on grant writing. Would you consider earning your doctoral degree to make yourself more marketable?
ReplyDeleteWow Judi,
ReplyDeleteSounds like great options that you have with your experience and education. When I become director of an early childhood program (in years to come!), I would love to reach out to you for support in grant writing and leadership with staff.
Hi Judi,
ReplyDeleteThese are some great positions to consider the early childhood field. Being a Grantee Specialist for ICF International is similar to the position that I would like to apply for in Region IV Head Start Association. Their job duties and functions are the same. I have enjoyed reading your post. You have given me some more positions to consider in Head Start
Hi Judi, I’ve also have been interest in ICF as an Early Childhood Specialist. I was the Early Head Start Program Specialist for my program, and I love it. I want to be able to share knowledge and provide technical assistance. ICF International is a magnificent company because it gives you the opportunity to reach a lot of Head Start programs. With you background and experience I think you will have no problem reaching your goals.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Judi,
ReplyDeleteYou have explored a wide spectrum of positions to continue your work and advocacy for children and families. I am also interested in grant writing. I had the privilege of attending a 12-week course on grant writing while working on my BS degree in 2010. I learned so much from the instructor and classmates. In my current position I provide input for the grant, although I am not fully responsible for the writing.
These are all great aspirations Judi!
Hi Judi,
ReplyDeleteThank you for an informative post! There are many interesting job opportunities once you begin researching. I was also interested in the NAEYC position. Looks like there are many positions that would be a great fit for an early childhood professional like yourself!