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

The three national/federal organizations or communities of practice that I have chosen are the National Autism Society, the United Nations, and the Children's Defense Fund. I have chosen these three organizations because they all mean something to me. I chose the National Autism Society because this organization has helped me learn valuable information about autism that has helped in caring for my son. I chose the United Nations because this organization has played a major role in helping to bring attention to very important issues all across the world. I feel that when countries work together to get things accomplished, we can achieve greatness. Lastly, I chose the Children's Defense Fund because this organization has brought attention to many of the issues that our children are faced with. Our children are our future, and we all need to make sure that we do everything ion our power to protect and support them.

The job opportunities that interest me are the director of programs for the National Autism Society, the humanitarian affairs officer for the United nations, and the director of major gifts and planned giving for the Children's Defense Fund. I am interested in the director of programs position with the National Autism Society because I would love to create and be the administrator of programs that will help families like my own overcome some of the struggles that autism presents.

I am interested in this position because I know what families dealing with autism are going through. I think that I would be able to assist because I bring knowledge and passion about this particular topic. I know that this position requires someone who is understanding, caring, knowledgeable, and who is willing to work with families. I am interested in the position of a humanitarian affairs officer with the United Nations because I have always been a person who loves people and wants the best for people. There are so many issues that we are all faced with all over the world. I feel that this position would give me the opportunity to help people which is something that I've wanted to do since I was a little girl. A position wit the United Nations would afford me with the opportunity to be able to help people all over the world. I realize that I would have to be able to work well with others, be a hard worker, be able to communicate well with others, be willing to learn other languages, be able to accept constructive criticism, and work diligently to complete tasks in a timely manner. Finally, I think that a position with the Children's Defense Fund as the director of major gifts and planned giving would give me the opportunity to help children all over the world by getting people to donate to such an important cause. I realize that this job may be very challenging because I always say that I don't like begging people for anything. I am willing to beg if it means that I will be able to help children. This is also a topic that I am passionate about. Therefore, I feel like I will be successful.

Reflecting on Learning

 

My most passionate hope for my future as an early childhood professional is to create an environment in which children and families feel safe and know that it is okay to discuss differences. Also, I have the desire to be an advocate for children and families living with varying abilities. My son's diagnosis of autism has taught me that it can be very difficult to get proper services, especially when you are aware of what proper services are. It is important for children with varying abilities to get early intervention, but many families do not know exactly how to do this. I have had to be an advocate for my son, and I feel that my work is preparing to be an advocate for other children and families. All children need and deserve a high quality education. I want to ensure that they get one.

 

 

I want to take a brief moment to thank all of you, my colleagues and Dr. Pickens. I am truly grateful for the discussions that we have had throughout this course. I have had a very difficult time in my personal life. I was at the point of giving up. However, it is because of all of you that I did not. I wish you all nothing but success throughout your professional and personal journeys! Like Julie Olsen-Edwards said in the media segment, "Children are waiting on us!"

 

 

Resources

 

Laureate Education Inc., (2011). Strategies for working with Diverse Children (Course Media). "Your Commitment to Anti-Bias Work". Baltimore, MD