Exploring Roles in the Early Childhood Field: National/Federal Level

            As I was researching national/federal organizations, I narrowed my search down to three that appealed to me because their mission reflected some of my professional goals and desires.  The first organization is Zero to Three-The National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families (www.zerotothree.org, n.d.).  The mission of Zero to Three is grounded in research that shows the rapid brain growth during the first few years of a baby’s life and the importance of quality of care and experiences a child has with parents and other adults.  Therefore Zero to Three ensures that all babies and toddlers have a strong start by providing parents, professionals, and policymakers the knowledge and information needed to nurture early development.  One of the job opportunities at Zero to Three is Program Manager of Resource Development.  This peaked my interest due to my desire to move up in management and the description of the job and skills needed are similar to my current job, which I love.  Some of the skills needed to be a Program Manager are having knowledge and experience with infants and toddlers and other agencies that impact these years such as Early Head Start.  The Program Manager needs to know how to use logic models and track outcomes.   Part of my current job is tracking outcomes and I am starting the process next week of re-writing/updating the logic models of my department.  Other experience includes having at least 10 years experience in early childhood and at least 5 years of leadership and supervision.  A Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood or related field is required with a Master’s Degree preferred (www.zerotothree.org, n.d.).  Again this job description is similar to my current job, which could be the foundation for one day being a Program Manager with Zero to Three.  I need some more managerial experience. 

            Another organization that I chose was The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) (www.iwpr.org, n.d.).  The name of this organization quickly grabbed my attention so I researched further to learn what it was about.  The IWPR conducts research and spreads the results to promote public dialog to find ways to strengthen families, communities, and societies.  The research is also used to advocate and inform policymakers and the public on economic and social policy issues that affect women and families.  Policies that affect women and families ultimately affect children and their experiences and quality of life.  Therefore this research is important because of the impact it has on children.  This interested me because of the “trickle down” effect this organization has and it address issues of families that affect our young children.  One of the job opportunities at IWPR is for a Study Director.  The Study Director oversees research and projects and ensures that all components are being completed and then share the findings.  I was intrigued by this job because of its potential to impact social policy.  Also I realize I am not always the best researcher but I want to be a part of it.  I feel like this job would allow me to be part of research yet not have to actually conduct the research.  Qualifications for this job include having a Doctorate in a social science such as economics or sociology.  Experience is key because one would need at least 5 to 10 years in applied research and experience with a variety of research methods.  A Study Director also needs to show the ability to supervise people, knowledge of different reports, be familiar with other organizations and networks related to the job such as policy makers, scholars, funders, and show the ability to be able to raise money (www.iwpr.org, n.d.).

            The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) was the third organization that I researched (www.childrensdefense.org, n.d.).  CDF works to ensure that all children have a level playing field through a healthy start, a head start, a fair start, a safe start, and a moral start in early childhood and in life with the help of caring families and communities.  CDF works to be the voice for all children to help them get what they need.  For example CDF advocates for policies and program that help children and families move out poverty or they work to protect children from abuse and neglect.  My ultimate professional goal is to help all children and tackle all the issues that affect their development and future successes.  The CDF sounds like a perfect fit for me.  When looking at job opportunities, I was drawn to another managerial job, that of Database Manager.  I was drawn to it because I have found a love for reporting, ensuring its accuracy, and being able to lead people based off of reporting outcomes.  The Database Manager requires a minimum of three years experience on a Raiser’s Edge database, one of which I have not heard of.  Other skills and qualifications include ability to prioritize, organize, excellent communication skills, work independently, have a Bachelor’s Degree, and a minimum of 5 years experience in a nonprofit environment (www.childrensdefense.org, n.d.).  I like this job because without the data and reports, advocacy and sharing of knowledge could not take place.

           

References

Children’s Defense Fund. (n.d.).  Retrieved from http://www.childrensdefense.org/.

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research. (n.d.).  http://www.iwpr.org/.

Zero to Three. (n.d.).  Retrieved from http://www.zerotothree.org/.