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

 

This week, I have explored several national early childhood organizations and federal agencies in both Lebanon and the United States. I have chosen three to share with you:

1. Fista

The First Steps Together Association Riverside community’s aims to improve children’s quality of life. Their team collaborates to enhance the physical and mental capabilities of children with special needs. They work toward helping them improve their social and communication skills, thus giving them the confidence to participate in their local communities. I was interested in FISTA because a big portion of their goals target families as they extend emotional and psychological support to their families. They work directly with the parents through regular meetings providing them with help and guidance on how to communicate with their children. There are only volunteer opportunities with FISTA, and I believe that I can contribute by sharing what I know as an experienced teacher with considerable knowledge in building relationships with parents and empowering them as they support their children and help them join and contribute to society on an equal footing with everybody else. As an early childhood educator and adult trainer, I can participate in workshops and training sessions they conduct to families on an ongoing basis.

                                                        

2. Even Start Family Literacy Program

Even Start is a family literacy program for families with a preschool component. Even Start offers grants to support local family literacy projects that integrate early childhood education, adult literacy, parenting education, and interactive parent and child literacy activities for low-income families. As I explored some of the projects, I came across ones that provide parenting education, parent literacy, and interactive parent-child literacy activities created through community groups and schools. I found one available job that is of interest to me, which is a coordinator. The job involves overseeing all aspects of the development, implementation, and management of the Even Start Family Literacy Families with children ages 3-5. The required qualification is a minimum of Bachelor’s degree in education or related field. I feel that I would fit the job as the skills include having strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as strong ability of organization and management. The job also requires applicants to be flexible and adapt to different situations in order to meet the needs of the families, which is something I strongly believe I am able to do.

3. Children & Families Resource Center
Even Start is a federally funded program in the United States that gives families access to training and support through family literacy programs. Even Start offers grants to support local family literacy projects that integrate early childhood education, adult literacy, parenting education, and interactive parent and child literacy activities for low-income families. As I explored some of the projects, I came across ones that provide parenting education, parent literacy, and interactive parent-child literacy activities created through community groups and schools. I found one available job that is of interest to me, which is a coordinator. The job involves overseeing all aspects of the development, implementation, and management of the Even Start Family Literacy Families with children ages 3-5. The required qualification is a minimum of Bachelor’s degree in education or related field. I feel that I would fit the job as the skills include having strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as strong ability of organization and management. The job also requires applicants to be flexible and adapt to different situations in order to

Communities of Practice

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Looking at organizations, agencies, and communities of practice that operate in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, I have not been able to locate many that fit my goal or challenge. Instead, I have chosen one in Lebanon, one in the US, and one in the UK. The three I would like to share:

1.      Lebanese Association for Rehabilitation and Development (TAAHEEL). Taaheel is a Non-profit, Non-Governmental Organization in Lebanon.  Its mission is to develop the abilities in children and youth so they can succeed in school and life. The goals of TAAHEEL include addressing the needs of children who need counseling, rehabilitation, and therapy. Not only do TAAHEEL experts help children become active learners, they also collaborate with families to support the children’s various challenges through providing ongoing seminars to foster parents’ awareness about engaging in their children’s learning process and leading them towards self-sufficiency. The organization recruits and collaborates with educators, teachers, counselors, and school administrators to help achieve a successful outcome. TAAHEEL also provides professionals and families with updates on research findings in the field of education. The employment opportunity that interested me within this organization is related to teacher training and family counseling, which involves mentoring new teachers and providing information to families concerning their children various challenges. The responsibilities include increasing parents’ awareness of the way to approach social, behavioral, and learning problems of their children.

2.      Family Involvement Center. Their mission is to support families and professionals to foster the emotional, social, and academic wellbeing of children. What I like about this center is its approach toward raising awareness of the importance of family support and inspiring meaningful partnership between families and professionals. They partner with several institutes that offer training opportunities, educational workshops, seminars, and conferences for youth, families, and professionals. They also promote social networks of natural supports by connecting parents and youth within their community. Because it is family based, the center reflects the values and voices of families, which allows me to get a better understanding of family concerns. Employment opportunities in this organization include training specialists, which is something that I have a great interest in. The post involves educating and empowering families and directs them on how to effectively collaborate with school personnel and establish solid relationships.

3.      The UKFIET Forum for International Education and Training. This is an online proactive forum where universities, non-governmental organizations, consultancy groups and professional associations have a vast opportunity to share knowledge and expertise. This includes research, training, teaching, and providing advisory resource to policy makers and practitioners in government, development agencies and NGOs. Educators and parents can initiate and engage in ongoing discussions of international education and development topics.  The members are driven by their strong desire to increase interaction between events and conferences. This CoP allows for the diverse and wide community to express opinions, voice concerns, test ideas, and engage in debate.While this CoP does not have opportunities for employment, it does offer a venue to reach out to other individuals and organizations, and obtain advice from veteran teachers and experienced parents. For the purpose of professional development, UKFIET organizes various events on education and development issues. In addition to publicizing and publishing on current concerns, it provides a network of expertise for research and consultancy and sponsors international Conferences on education and development. UKFIET collaborates with national and international commissions and associations, such as UNESCO, and makes presentations to government and aid agencies on issues of common interest and concern. The membership constitutes professional experts, yet it is open to everyone with a passion for teaching and learning.

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