The first community of practice I have chosen is the National Association for the Education of Young Children.  I choose this organization because of its commitment to the education of young children.  “The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children with nearly 80,000 members, a national network of more than 300 state and local Affiliates, and a growing global alliance of like-minded organizations (NAEYC, 2012).  The job I would like with the NAEYC is to go to preschools around the county and train the staff about the standards and practices.  I have seen the great need within my community of such training, and I would love to have a position in which it was possible for me to help make a change for the better. 

 The second community of practice I have chosen is Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI).   “ACEI is a global community of educators and advocates who unite knowledge, experience, and perspectives in order to exchange information, explore innovation, and advocate for children. The Association promotes and supports the optimal education and development of children, from birth through early adolescence, and the professional growth of educators and others committed to the needs of children in a changing society (ACEI, 2011)”.    A job that I would love to have is to be a collaborator with all of the educators of the world.  To be a part of that council would be an amazing opportunity. 

Finally, the last community of practice I choose the National Head Start Association (NHSA).  “NHSA is dedicated to meeting the needs of Head Start children and their families. The Association provides support for the Head Start community by advocating for policies to strengthen Head Start services; providing training and professional development to Head Start staff; and developing and disseminating research, information, and resources that enrich Head Start program delivery (NHSA, 2012)”.  Head Start is an important organization that helps low income children and their families.  The one flaw of Head Start is money.  Once Head Start was an all day, all year organization, but now due to budgets cut Head Start is a half day program that runs 9 months of the year.  I would like to be a part of fund raising opportunities to help to restore Head Start’s budget so more children can benefit from an early childhood education.

Resources

Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) (2011) About Us. Retrieved from http://www.acei.org/about-us/about-us.html

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) (2012) About US. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/content/about-naeyc

National Head Start Association (NHSA) (2012) About NHSA. Retrieved from http://www.nhsa.org/about_nhsa

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

The three local community of practice organizations that appeal to me are: Headstart, STRIDE Learning Center, and Peak Wellness Center. 

We all know Headstart.  It is a federally run early childhood program for lower income families.  STRIDE Learning Center is the developmental preschool where I work.  Peak Wellness Center is a private mental health facility that works with children and families.  These three organizations form a community of practice within my community.  When a child does not qualify for STRIDE, we often refer their family to Headstart.  When a child has greater needs than Headstart is prepared to handle, they refer to STRIDE.  When a family is in crisis at either Headstart or STRIDE, Peak Wellness Center is called to help the situation. 

One job opportunity that interests me is to coach colleagues with behavioral students.  Coaching would help educators deal with problems as they arise, and brain storming on how best to serve each child.  That would be the perfect job for me!

Skills that would be needed to competently fill this role would be excellent communication skills, behavioral analysis background, and the ability to be a team player.