Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Here are some communities of practice that I found to be interesting to me:

Advocates for diversity-  This intrigued me because its a group focused on inclusion with diversity and sustaining that inclusion. I am a huge advocate for diversity already so this stood out to me

http://astc.org/profdev/communities/currentCOPs.htm

Early Childhood- This one stood out for the obvious reasons of early childhood.  It focuses on children and their education and everything that comes with that.  I know that there are many challenges in the field and issues that need to be addressed so working with like-minded individuals to accomplish those goals and getting ideas and inspiration is something I would want.

http://astc.org/profdev/communities/currentCOPs.htm

Research and Evaluation-  I chose this community of practice because research and evaluation isn't my strong point, I'd love to gain tips and see how others go about their research and evaluations to see what works for me.

http://astc.org/profdev/communities/currentCOPs.htm

Job Opportunities for me:

Head Start Child Development and Education Consultant


Under general direction, provides technical expertise, consulting, support, and ongoing monitoring and oversight to the LACOE Head Start State Preschool, delegate agencies, and other public and private child development agencies in essential areas of development and learning used to establish school readiness goals for children, monitor children's progress, align curricula, and conduct program planning; provides support in the content, structure, and delivery of child development services for children and families enrolled in the Early Head Start, Head Start, or State Preschool programs.

The Well Qualified Candidate Will Possess the Following

Knowledge:

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• Child development curricula and trends
• Community Care Licensing (Title 22) regulations, Head Start Act, Head Start Performance Standards, Title IV, and related legislation
• (QRIS) Continuous Quality Improvement Pathways and California Department of Education Quality Continuum Framework – Rating Matrix
• State preschool methods in assessing and evaluating the quality and delivery of child development services
• Human development including prenatal, infant, toddler, preschool, and maternal development
• Ethics in relation to child and family-child development 
• Staff development, in-service, and adult learning methods and techniques 
• Instructional methods, classroom interactions, and Teachstone's Classroom Assessment Scoring System™ (CLASS™) observation tool and implementation 
• Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP), Environmental Rating Scale (ERS), and other assessment techniques used to identify strengths of children and families
• Community resources including family support services, emergency and crisis services, and child protective services 
• Cultural differences that influence parenting skills and family environments
• Techniques for counseling parents in child development
• Best practices in providing technical assistance, coaching, and mentoring child development and education staff.
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• Required Education and Experience
  

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  Education: A master's degree with major coursework in child development, early education, education, educational psychology, or a field closely related to the job requirements of this classification, from an institution of higher learning accredited by a regional accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Foreign degrees and credit units require translation and equivalency established by an agency recognized by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
  
  Experience: Four years of child development experience in a multi-disciplinary setting, including at least two years of experience in administrating or coordinating comprehensive child development programs or departments in a Head Start program, or similar early childhood education agency providing services to low income families
  
  Additional Requirements: Certification as a Teachstone CLASS™ reliable observer is highly desired. A California Child Development Director permit is desired. A valid California driver's license and the availability of private transportation or the ability to obtain transportation between job sites is required

• Site Director Training & Research Foundation Head Start - Los Angeles, CA $27.52 an hour The Site Director supervises all teaching staff and oversees all education activities for their assigned site. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Planning and Program Implementation Supervises, coordinates, and evaluates the teaching of children within the classroom environment. Coaches/mentors assigned teaching staff regarding curriculum. Participates in actual teaching and demonstrates and applies appropriate methods, materials, and accepted practices. Provides direction and tracks adherence to individual lesson plans. Assures regular reporting of child progress and child center activities. Provides mentoring based on classroom observation. Involves parents and promotes knowledge of educational activities and student development goals. Considers student health and safety and effective learning and reinforcement techniques. Monitors parent conferences, and develops and informs parents and staff regarding IEP goals. Maintains current knowledge of teaching techniques through child development classes, workshops, and membership in professional organizations. Prepares and maintains necessary and mandated records and related documents. CCL/Head Start Completes daily head counts and ensures that ratios are met at all times. Completes paperwork and reports any symptoms of child abuse to the Child Development Specialist and Child Abuse Hotline, supports teachers to make necessary reports. Completes and maintains Licensing forms as needed. Ensures site compliance with all CCL requirements and Head Start Performance Standards Ensures monitoring of classroom quality with CLASS Supervision Schedules supervision meetings with teachers on a monthly basis or as needed. Develops/monitors Professional Development Goals for all teaching staff. Participates in the orientation of teaching staff. Conducts annual evaluation of teaching staff/floaters. Responsible for reviewing/approving timesheets, work orders, purchase orders, and other supporting documentation. Completes and follows up with all site visits for Community Care Licensing Completes and ensures all required reports are maintained and submitted to appropriate parties. Developments and monitors goals for the site and individual classrooms. Completes reports and communicates problems directly to supervisor as needed. Supervises and monitors child files and assists staff in the compliance of file requirements. May perform other duties as assigned by supervisor Education/Certifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Education or Child Development, including more than 12 semester units or equivalent quarter units in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field. California Site Supervisor Permit. Experience working with at risk populations and/or experience working with children or families served by Head Start.