One local organization that I found appealing was the
Colorado Department of Education. http://www.cde.state.co.us/ I explored this site as I considered my
community of practice and felt it mirrored some of my missions such as better
compensation for preschool teachers. The site also offered insight to job opportunities
in the field as well as links to local early childhood organizations.
The
second local organization I explored is the Office of Early Childhood. http://www.coloradoofficeofearlychildhood.com/#!ec-resources--partner-organizations/cfat
This page was of interest to me as
it touched on many topics and resources which could positively impact young
children such as socio/emotional mental health, nutrition and links to early
childhood councils
I also chose to look even more
locally and explored the Denver Early Childhood Council.
http://denverearlychildhood.org/
this page had great links to training and opportunities for professional development.
An extensive resource library and opportunities for community involvement.
When
exploring job opportunities a position that appealed to me was a Quality
Assurance Inspector. This position is one in which I could impact young
children by ensuring their school environment met health, safety and educational standards of excellence. This position requires a Bachelor’s Degree or higher
in Education or a related field. Preferred qualities include prior experience
as an early childhood educator as a teacher or administrator and knowledge of
best practice.
The
second position which appealed to me was an Assistant or associate Professor in
Child, Family and School Psychology at the University of Denver. This position
requires a Doctoral Degree in education, psychology or a related field and at
least 12 years’ experience working in an educational setting. Preferred experience
includes an educational or psychology licensure and accreditation.
The third
position of inters was an Education Support Specialist. This position required
a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in early childhood or education or related
field. Preferred experience includes a knowledge project management and
leadership skills.
Hi Jennifer -
ReplyDeleteAs I read about your exploration to the Colorado Department of Education I found it amazing that they provide compensation to preschool teachers. Is this compensation for teachers who are just in the school systems or do they also help with compensation for teachers in the private child care settings?
Also, I find the job position as a Quality Assurance Inspector amazing for people who can do this. I know we at one time had to conduct quality evaluations within programs and I had the hardest time because I always wanted to fix the issues I saw or help the teacher who might be having trouble while I was supposed to be standing back and observing. I praise the ones who can do this to help us get a true picture of what quality looks like at the present time and gives us a foundation to build from as technical assistants.
Thanks for sharing!
Gena
Hi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteTh Quality Assurance Inspector is similar to the position I am in at the Early Childhood Commission. The position can be rewarding except that not much is being done to raise the standards of the institutions. Colorado seems to have a very productive early childhood system. The practitioners are the core of the system and I am happy that they compensate the preschool teachers.There are so many organizations in the states that offer opportunity in the field of early childhood. It shows that the filed is growing immensely.
hi Jennifer
ReplyDeleteThe Quality Assurance Inspector job is very interesting. In my state that is two people jobs one health people they may sure that environment is safe for children and program director may the education standard are met for all children Thank you for sharing
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ReplyDeleteDear Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI love reading your post and I think you pick some very valuable opportunities within your job search. For instance, I like the Education Support Specialist position. It seems to be a job that I would enjoy doing within the future. Therefore, just out of the three jobs interest you the most? Thank you for sharing such good insights.
Sincerely,
Herleen
I would love to work with the quality assurance program.
DeleteJennifer,
ReplyDeleteThose job opportunities look similar to what I have been looking for in my own area. They hold great promise to impact many children. I think all of us are looking for ways to advocate for young children and these positions sound like they would be a great way to do so.