National/Federal Jobs in Early Childhood Community

Special Needs Alliance

“The Special Needs Alliance is a national organization comprised of attorneys committed to helping individuals with disabilities, their families and the professionals who serve them” (Special Needs Alliance, n.d.).  There are currently no jobs listed on the website or available to individuals who do not practice law.  The website claims that those working for the alliance do so through invitation-only, with each member having an average of 18 years of experience but no less than 5 years.  However, they are still a great organization to partner with or add to my community of practice since families need their assistance 

Website:  https://www.specialneedsalliance.org/government-programs-for-children-with-disabilities/

Autism Action Partnership

The Autism Action Partnership is an organization that seeks to improve the lives of individuals with autism and offer assistance to their families.  Their goals and initiatives include supporting and strengthening families; workforce development (to help adults with autism enter the workforce); enhancement of social skills and education; to increase awareness/acceptance/understanding; and to act as a supporting capacity within the autism community.  As of right now, the only job opening available is that of resource development manager.  In order to qualify, I need a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s preferred) and 5 year experience in development to include grant writing.

Website:  https://autismaction.org/about-aap/mission-goals/

The Pacer Center

The Pacer Center offers workshops to parents offers free workshops help parents of children with disabilities and the professionals who serve them; the organization provides puppet programs that cover disability awareness, abuse prevention and bullying prevention; and their technology center provides software and devices and training that will help children learn how to communicate through technology.  They look to improve the quality of life of all individuals with disabilities.  Pacer Center relies on organizations and volunteers to contribute and keep their services free to the families they serve.  There is currently a Grant Coordinator and Development Associate position available.  In order to meet the requirements for this job, I would need to acquire skills in grant writing.

Website:  https://www.pacer.org/about/PACERfacts.asp

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community

I found this assignment a little difficult because right now, I can’t imagine (nor do I want to) myself working for any organization other than Air Force Child and Youth Programs.  Additionally, I did not find many jobs that I could do on the administrative side.  I enjoyed my time in classrooms with the children but I think those days are behind me and I enjoy training and mentoring teachers who work in direct care roles with the children.  However, I was able to narrow my search down to a few that seemed interesting and would be beneficial for children and their families.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

One organization I would love to work for is Boys and Girls Clubs of America!  They offer programs that focus on character and leadership sports and education, the arts, health and wellness and career development, to name a few.  Military child and youth programs work very closely with this agency and I have witnessed first hand the benefits that children receive when having the opportunity to participate.  One of my favorite programs, the Youth of the Year, encourages children to explore their interests and beliefs and really consider how they want to shape their future.  Youth from Tyndall AFB have been awarded monetary awards such as scholarships and cash as well as laptop computers.  But in addition to that, they have been given opportunities to speak at public events and travel to different parts of the country and meet like-minded youth. These are opportunities that no amount of money could ever provide for them.

Job Opportunities.  There was one job opportunity that stood out to me on this website, and that is the position of Assistant Director Military Outreach (Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps).  In order for me to completely fulfill this role, I need experience in the management, administration and operation of a BGC or similar organization. 

Website:  https://www.bgca.org

Kids Included Together

Another organization I would like to work for is KIT (Kids Included Together).  Their training topics cover everything from inclusion practices to Autism and ADHD questions answered to mental health and positive behavioral support.  As long as I have worked in child and youth services, I have noticed an increase in the need for the types of training they offer. Additionally, they offer scheduled telephone conferences to support specific issues.

Job Opportunities.  At the time, there are no jobs listed for Kids Included Together. I would imagine that there should be some degree of early childhood education needed, as well as specialized experience in working with families and organizations who have children with special needs or behavioral issues. 

Website:  https://www.kit.org

Various Children’s Hospitals

Lastly, I would consider being a Child Life Specialist.  From what I have read, these specialists work with children who are in medical settings along with their families to help them cope with their current situations, offer support and help them understand what lies ahead.  I can imagine that this job would be difficult but it is still something that I would love to consider.  To work as a CLS, I would need a certificate for Child Life Specialists from the Association of Child Life Professionals and 2 years full-time clinical experience as a CLS.

Final Thoughts

First, I want to say thank you to all of the people who have shared their thoughts with me over the last 8 weeks.  Your views and been helpful and insightful and I know that with educators like you in the world, our children will grow to be better individuals!

My most passionate hope for my future as an early childhood professional and for the children and families with whom I work with is that I really slow down and take the time to learn about and truly know the children and families I support.  It is so easy to get lost in the daily routines and get into the habit of checking off boxes to meet certain standards or criteria.  But to really take the time to get to know families lets them know that they have a support system in me and that I will do everything in my power to ensure they have what they need.  And if I am unable to meet their needs, I will help them find the proper resources!

Thank you all and best wishes in your future endeavors!

Alvia