Opportunities in Early Childhood

Reactivating this blog has been a refreshing opportunity for me to connect and informalyl share my thoughts concerning ECE.

With my program coming to a close later this semster, I am nearing the point in my life where I may want to venture outside the traditional classroom and assist in ECE reform in other arenas. This is has been the ideal assignment as it allows me to narrow down my focus and career opportunities for me with my experience, interests,  and credentialing.

My hometown of Chicago is eventually wherr I want to return. Chicago is my home and has my heart. I have literally lived all over the world and Chicago will always bd my foundation. With our notoriety with gun violence and systematic corruption, it is easy to turn a blind eye and "move out". While many residents are choosing this option, I am opting to attempt to stay and make a way to rebirth Chicago back into ots bustling, sparkling enamor.

Local/State organizations within the ECE field I found that sparked my interests were:

https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/chicago/

http://www.eclearningil.org/index.php/

https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/sites/chicagoearlylearning/home/about.html

These are three organizations that I have not heard of or am familiar with in Chicago. After research, these organizations seem like the ideal opportunity for me to really get myself in the door with more behind the scenes work of Early Childhood Education and advocacy with positions available such as Parent Educator, Regional Stakeholder Manager, Community Partnership Liaison/Manager, Early Childhood Education Home Visitor, Early Childhood Behavioral Specialist, Education Quality Specialist, etc. I ABSOLUTELY loved all these positions because they cater to high-risk populations.

These are options that I have both heard of and am unfamiliar with within the field of ECE. I know my interests and passions rrst within working with families, continuing and strengthening diversity, as well as teacher quality. Out of the locsl organizations I selected, I want to learn alot more about Early Childhood Professional Learning program that is partnered with a prestigious research university in Illinois. With it being different programs under one umbrella, it allows me to hone in on a singular interest and build my career within that framework.

The qualifications are somewhat strict, many positions requiring 5+ years of managerial, program management/operational experience, and at least a Master's in Education. However, with me being a teacher for 4 years, this is also advantageous because I am coming directly from a classroom setting and amnable to give fresh perspective on how policy affects all levels of ECE, down to the classroom. I also feel its important to have a variety of individuals with different skillsets and strengths working together on a project with varying background.

I look forward to knowing more and searching for my dream career