Three Organizations or Communities of Practice:
- Zero to Three
- Childcare Aware
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
I chose these organizations that appeal to be for several reasons. The organization Zero to Three focuses on providing parents of babies and toddlers the support needed in regards to positive health and education. The organization also provides educators and policymakers with the knowledge and tools support early childhood development, and developing policies that strengthen families and caregivers. I believe that as an educator I could not only learn through the professional development the organization provides but to also play a role in developing policies that will benefit early childhood education years from now.
The organization Childcare Aware of America is an organization that assist parents who are seeking childcare nationwide with referrals and resources to locate a quality program for their scholar. The program also assists providers with resources that would benefit their program to be a high quality program. I chose this organization because it operate a toll-free referral line that is operated by Child Care Consumer Education Specialist. Those specialist assist parents as well as providers with information about child care and referrals to local Child Care agencies. This organization is something I believe is effective and accessible to educators and families.
Another important organization that I really would like to be a member of is the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). I chose this organization because not only is it located in my home city Washington, D.C. but because the organization focuses on high quality for all young children from birth to age 8. The organization does this through combining many individual members of the early childhood community like educators and advocates. NAEYC provides so much knowledge and a wealth of resources that I feel I would always be able to have someone to turn to if I need support and be able to give it as well.
Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest you
- Dean of Early Childhood with Creation Village (retrieved from: https://careerforum.naeyc.org/jobs/12537751/dean-of-early-childhoold)
- Program Coordinator with Zero to Three, National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families (retrieved from: https://careercenter.zerotothree.org/jobs/12550604/program-coordinator?utm_source=813876&utm_medium=recentJobs&utm_campaign=mainLanding&utm_term=)
- Child Care Consumer Education Specialist with Childcare Aware of America: This position isn’t available at the moment but I would really like the opportunity to work at the call center to provide support to families as well as educators in regards to educational advice and resources.
Skills and Experience you need to competently fulfill each of these roles
- Bachelors Degree in Edcuation (preferably Early Childhood)
- Experience leading an NAEYC accredited program
- Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds
- Customer Service experience preferably in call center.
- 3-8 years’ experience teaching in Early Childhood Education
Dean Hilliard (ECE) 
Hi Gwen
I also chose the organization Zero to Three. I don’t think too many people, outside of the ECE field, realize how important the well being and development of infant and toddlers really is. Some people believe that during these ages, children just focus on playing, but in reality, this is a crucial time of brain development in a child. “Our agenda is simple: The ZERO TO THREE Policy Center promotes good health, strong families, and positive early learning experiences for all infants and toddlers, with special emphasis on those who are the most vulnerable and in need” (Zero To Three. (n.d.) This is an agenda that i can get behind, 100%!
Christine Ingenbrandt
Zero To Three. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2019, from https://www.zerotothree.org/
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I love NAEYC. I am currently a member. It is an organization that holds so much regard in the education community. I especially love the books that they offer. I am also very fond of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Statement as it gives specific guidelines in regards to how we should treat children, parents, and colleagues. I use the Code of Conduct to help me when before I speak and act. My communication style often has me at odd with my employees, I have one in particular that feels the way I say things are combative or I always have something smart to say, so I try to back much of what I say with facts, so I am not just talking from experience.
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Hi Gwen, I like the organizations that you have chosen. I think that it is important to have these organizations that focus on providing support for families and can be used as a resource for them. With being in the field as a professional we get to see what they offer us but it is just as important that the families of the children we serve can have sources. I agree that being a part of the NAEYC is beneficial for you as a professional in the field.
-Jazzy
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Hi Gwen,
These are great organizations and two of them I am familiar with. The NAEYC and the Zero To Three organizations have been very helpful resources in my previous courses and continue to be helpful resources to others as well. The thing that sparks my interest about these organizations is their worldwide appreciation across the globe. With each having their own distinct mission and goals, there is so much value in their work. The Zero to Three organization focuses on ensuring that “all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life” (Zero to Three, 2019) and this is what I am happy about. To be pioneers in a child’s early development is something to be proud of. Thank you for sharing! I enjoyed your post.
Reference
Zero to Three. (2019). Our Mission and Vision. Retrieved from https://www.zerotothree.org/about/our-mission-ad-vision
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Gwen,
I really liked reading the information you provided about Childcare Aware of America. I have never heard of this organization but from reading it sound like it provides great information to parents. Being a parent who has had to put my children in day care I think this organization would have been a great tool for me. Trying to find quality care for my children had really been a struggle and having a little assistance would have really helped me. It probably would have prevented me from sending my children to those few daycares who I regretted sending them to.
Natasha
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