International Job/Roles in the ECE Community

In my last blog post I explored associations, organizations, and agencies that foster the well-being of children, families, and the early childhood field that were available to me on a national/federal level.  This post references two organizations, and one association on the international level.  

These, like the others, have inspired my thinking about my opportunities in the early childhood field. These organizations and association can be found by clicking on the yellow links in this post.

Save the Children

 Save the Children is the leading independent organization to help children in need.  The organizations works and advocates to positively change the lives of children through healthcare, education, and providing economic opportunities to families. Save the children provides supports for learning inside and outside of the classroom.  In 2011 they reach more than 10 million children through educational opportunities. Currently at Ripley Primary School where I am teaching they house a Save the Children program that provides opportunities for children to learn and play after school in a safe environment.  There are several teachers involved in the program and the children seem to have fun each afternoon.  The organization in 2011 improved the the lives of over 85 million children in some way.  

Jobs - There are several jobs available through this organization.  They can be found at the following link Save the Children/ Careers.  There is one that I am interested in that is in Colorado. A Coordinator for a program called Early Step to Success.  Although it is not outside of the United States it would allow me a position within this organization.  This position is for an Early Childhood Coordinator for a program that will prepare children for Kindergarten and inform families in the community of the importance of early childhood education.  This program will also build strong school/home connections. 

Qualifications - I feel that I am qualified for this position, and may possibly be too qualified for hire.  You must have an AA degree and at least 2-3 years experience in the field.  They ask that the applicant be familiar with home visits, have experience with families and children in a rural area, experience leading a parent group, maintain accurate records, and have experience collaborating with other early childhood programs in the community.  I meet all of these qualifications, but the one I am concerned about is the need to have experience working with pregnant women.  This is one area that may prevent me from obtaining this position.  

Alpha Delta Kappa

This is an organization that is an international honorary organization of women educators.  They work to ensure educational excellence, altruism and world understanding. This is also impart a Community of Practice as their are local chapters that meet monthly within the organization.  I am a member of my local chapter.  It is a community of practice in that you have to be asked to join by another educator, but through this organization your efforts to improve the education of children is supported and encouraged.    They are headquartered in Kansas City, MO, but have more than 33,000 members world wide. The organizations works within communities through projects that help children all over the world.  One project currently underway is the school being built in Peru through the work of ADK and Bridge Builders International.  More on this project can be found at Building H.O.P.E. for Brighter Futures.  

Qualifications - An active member of the honorary organization, must see educational excellence in an educator, when recommending someone for membership.  Initiation into the organization by at large members is required, and dues must be paid to remain an active member. 

ACEI

Association for Childhood Education International

This association promotes social change through its members and works to provide equity in educational settings, quality educational content, and ensure a child's right to an education.  The members of this organization can form networks within their nation or city, it may be big or small.  This networks are also a community of practice.  These are smaller groups formed by members of the ACEI to work in an area of education to make a social change.   The involve themselves in numerous societal issues and work to impact the issues for the betterment of society.  I was unable to locate in jobs within this organization, but membership information can be found at the following link ACEI membership.  Membership in this organization provides excellent opportunities to connect with educators around the world and access to global news through journals in the early childhood field.   Their current featured initiative is through UNICEF and can be found at Global Partnership on Children with Disabilities. 

Qualifications- A person seeking membership must be an educator in the early childhood field, and should want make a difference in education for the betterment of society. Yearly membership dues are required.