January 30, 2014

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

 

 Make- A -Wish Foundation

Mission-Serves a unique and vital role in helping strengthen and empower children battling life-threatening medical conditions.

Make- a -Wish Foundation is a national non-profit corporation fulling life-long dreams and wishes for children. It all started in 1980, when a U.S. Customs agent living in Arizona wanted to do something special for a friend's 7 year old son who was dying of  leukemia. The little boy (Chris),wanted to be a "crime fighter" and with the help of friends, he was made Arizona's first and only honorary DPS officer. Chris was flown by helicopter to the DPS station where he was presented with a uniform and badge. Chris and his family spent the day touring the facilities. A few days later still surrounded by all of his DPS gear and full of smiles and stories about his special day, Chris passed away at the young age of 7. Today, Make-a-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children in the United States on average, every 38 minutes.

 I chose them as a Cop that appealed to me because of the Mission behind this wonderful non-profit organization. Everyone I have ever met that works with Make-A-Wish, has a strong compassion and commitment for helping children in need. Make-A-Wish foundation members go through extensive training on a regular basis in order to better serve  young children and their families.

Current Job Opportunities- Director of Philanthropy

The Director of Philanthropy will support the efforts of Make-A-Wish Foundation of America (MAWFA) to grow individual philanthropy by building a strong pipeline from the Annual Fund to support major and planned giving efforts. Through identification and cultivation activity, this position will focus on stewarding existing donors into greater investments at the $10,000 and beyond level. S/he will have an initial annual goal of raising $600,000 along with identifying donors who should be moved to major and planned giving officers for further cultivation.

Skills/Experience Needed: Master's Degree or comparable experience

• Proven ability to relate well to individuals from a variety of backgrounds and different motivation.
• Successfully build and maintain relationships with chapters.
• Demonstrated leadership with volunteers, administrators, and development staff; motivation to aggressively develop and maintain relationships with donors and prospects.
• Creativity and resourcefulness in helping develop methods.
• Willingness to function as part of the MAWFA management team in achieving identified priorities.
• Understand and communicate the funding needs of the organization.
• Discretion with confidential materials.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a deadline-oriented team environment.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Dexterity to operate computer equipment.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office.

Having spent several years for a volunteer at the Make-A-Wish Foundation, I know first-hand what a incredible foundation it is. This would be a "Dream" job for me. I would be part of a team that works hard for the benefit of young children who are suffering tremendously. Make-A-Wish Headquarters is located in Arizona, close to where I reside.

First Things First (FTF) 

Mission- To increase the quality of, and access to, the early childhood development and health system that ensures a child entering school comes healthy and ready to succeed. 

FTF would be valuable CoP member for my team. The child care center I am working with for my Capstone Project has multiple citations, many that include not  having age-appropriate materials. FTF focuses on training staff on how to prepare children for success when they start kindergarten. During and after the training process,  FTF holds early learning centers accountable in accordance to their performance standards. 

 
 Current Job Opportunities-Research and Evaluation Data Analyst
This position works in collaboration with the Senior Director of Research and Evaluation division at FTF. Responsibilities include: Conceptual and technical research and data related support to all research and evaluation efforts. Management of divisional project workflow and supervision of evaluation and project specialists. The ideal candidate must support the vision and mission of FSF and possess the personal qualities of integrity and credibility. Master's Degree required in related fieldwork. Experience in early childhood education also desired.

National Association For the Education of Young Child

Mission-To serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights and well-being of all young children with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental services and resources (NAEYC Bylaws, Article I., Section 1.1).

Having NAEYC as a member of my CoP would be a dream come true. Personally, I have been a member of NAEYC for many years. The resources and support available for just about anything having to do with young children can be found on their website. Over the years, I have utilized their sources for various topics. Also, I have referred parents to their site as well.

Job Opportunity-Writer. I did not find this job currently available, but would most certainly like to have a job writing for NAEYC. They do have an area where you can submit work for possible publication. However, my dream job with them would be to go around the country and world and observe various early learning centers and write about them. I could travel, spend time with children and also get paid for it. Now that is a dream come true!!!
Experience needed: Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Previous experience working in the ECE field and a true love and compassion for young children.

References

First Things First. Retrieved from:  http://www.azftf.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Make-A-Wish Foundation. Retrieved from:  http://wish.org/

National Association For The Education of Young Child. Retrieved from: http://www.naeyc.org/content/about-naeyc