Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

It has taken me a long time to get this far with my educational journey. I have worked for the federal government for many years and I would like to continue working within the federal government.

I wasn’t sure if I was making an impact or a difference in what I do as an Assistant Director for the school age center I work at. I was recently told that I do make a difference for my staff, my colleagues and most of all the children and their families. I enjoy coming to work; it is fun, entertaining, challenging, and difficult at times, but my job keeps me humble and young at heart. There are not very many places of employment that it is okay to be silly but nurturing as well.

The job that I would like to pursue in the future would be a CYS Training Specialist. The individual would serve as a trainer and professional child/youth development education consultant for CDS, SAS, CLEOS and YS programs with responsibility for ensuring the quality and consistency of programming to include: environment, equipment, materials, program structure, special needs inclusion, curriculum, risk management practices to minimize risk of abuse; supportive interactions and positive social development and oversight and coordination of activity/program schedules.

Qualification for this position is successful completion of an undergraduate Degree that included at least 24 semester hours in child development or early childhood education, or other fields appropriate to the position to be filled consistent with: Early Childhood Education/Child Development or Elementary Education is required.

Another job that would be an advancement as well as tremendous amount of responsibility would be a CYS Coordinator, this individual overseas all of CYS Programs.

The responsibilities are Serves as a Child and Youth Development (CYS) Coordinator with responsibility for the operation, integration, coordination, and oversight of installation Child Development Programs, Youth Programs, and Liaison, Education Support, and Outreach Services Programs servicing children and youth birth-18 years IAW all applicable regulations and standards. Applies extensive, professional knowledge to plan, implement, and supervise a comprehensive program that promotes positive growth and development of children and youth. Provides program oversight and accountability for the performance of staff and the safety and well being of children and youth IAW DoD, Army and local policies and standards. Ensures staff follow risk management procedures (i.e., abuse prevention, identification, and reporting procedures; accident prevention, etc.). Develops policies, procedures and SOPs to support program goals. Coordinates the Installation Child and Youth Evaluation Team (ICYET). Implements and monitors DA policies to include CYPPP guidance. Recruits and hires qualified personnel utilizing Army CYS Standard Position Descriptions. Supervises staff and executes management, performance, and training requirements. Establishes and maintains an active program of parental involvement. Serves as Subject Matter Expert on installation child and youth services issues. Prepares reports, surveys, and briefings for command and installation on matters pertaining to CYS. Supports all EEO and AA objectives.

Another position that peeked my interest would be Director of Early Childhood Programs through Volunteers of America and the qualifications and duties are listed as follows:

QUALIFICATIONS:                                                            

Master’s degree in education or the equivalent experience.  Five years of experience in management.  Director qualified by State of Colorado or ability to obtain Director status within six months of employment.  Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively in writing.  Demonstrated experience in grant writing.  Experience with Head start programming preferred; bi-lingual preferred. Experience with child care payment programs preferred.       

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:                                               

The Director is responsible for the overall functioning of Volunteers of America early childhood education and licensed child care programs, including a camp program. Has oversight of department budgets of approximately $1 million and direct or indirect supervision of 15+ employees and volunteers.  Responsibilities include program and resource development, grant writing, monitoring grants and program services; hiring, training, and supervision of program staff; development, implementation and monitoring of program budgets; facility maintenance and liaison with the community and Governance Committee.