1)      Great Start- powered by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation

Greatstartforkids.org                                  

The Early Childhood Investment Corporation was created to be the state’s focal point for information and investment in early childhood in Michigan so that children can arrive at the kindergarten door, safe, healthy and eager for learning and life (Great Start, 2009).

The reason I chose this organization is because we offer this program in the school that I teach in. I have been able to go in and observe, and see firsthand how these young learners are being prepared for the pivotal years of formal education. These teachers go on multiple home visits throughout the year, bringing the importance of education with them to their student’s families. This program also puts power into the parent’s hands by providing them with access to community-based, family centered, culturally competent, high quality early childhood programs, services and supports.

Job opportunities with Great Start that I would be interested in are being a consultant/facilitator. The consultant/facilitator will lead an interactive process of assessing current assets, challenges, desired goals, and existing and needed partnerships. It is expected that persons applying for this position will have experience and knowledge of best and innovative practice as it relates to establishing a strategic vision upon which both work and fund development plans can be built (Great Start, 2014). 

1)      Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children (MiAEYC)

Miaeyc.org

            

            The Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children is committed to improving the education and welfare of children from birth through age eight.  MiAEYC works for young children, their families, and early childhood professionals. MiAEYC supports the professional development of its members through quality training, materials and services (MiAEYC, 2014).

            The reason I chose this organization is because it is one I belonged to during my undergrad studies at Central Michigan University. It is close to my heart, because it is the first organization I had ever belonged to and also taught me so much about the world of education I was joining.

            A lot of the job opportunities that MiAEYC posts are teaching positions or center director positions in early childhood schools and facilities. Qualifications for these jobs range from having an associates degree to a masters degree. Years of experience also vary depending on the job you are applying for.

                                   

1)      Michigan Headstart Association (MHSA)

Michheadstart.org

MHSA is the unified voice providing advocacy and leadership linking the Head Start community of parents, programs, and partners. The Michigan Head Start Association is a private, nonprofit corporation organized in 1967 and incorporated in 1988 as the only state organization dedicated exclusively to the concerns of Head Start. The association provides services and support to the Michigan Head Start community, representing more than 38,000 children and their families, 39 Early Head Start, 67 Head Start, and 2 Migrant and Seasonal Head Start grantees statewide (MHSA, 2014).

This is also an organization that we have at our school and one that I have been able to go in and spend time observing in. I have seen the good that this program can do for our families and children in the community.

Job opportunities I would enjoy would be being an executive director for the Head Start Association. Skills needed to be qualified for this position are:

·         Must be an expert in the area of Early Childhood Education and an effective advocate for the Head Start and Early Head Start mission and values

·         Demonstrated “forward thinking” ability to develop solutions in a rapidly changing environment that is influenced by changing government oversight, breakthroughs in early childhood education and a need for increased collaboration with community organizations and schools

·         Bachelors degree required (Masters degree preferred) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, Family Services, Early Childhood Education or related degree

·         Five to seven years successful experience in a management position, including experience administering a comprehensive early childhood/family services program involving general oversight, budgeting, facilities and staff management

·         Three to five years successful experience in the supervision of management level staff and managing teams of at least ten people

·         Must have experience with multi-cultural, ethnically diverse, at-risk, low-income population

·         Must be an effective advocate for the Head Start and Early Head Start mission and values

·         Intermediate level computer skills, knowledgeable of Microsoft Office

·         Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills required working with diverse populations in the community and in the supervision of staff

·         Excellent organizational, analytical and planning skills

·         Grant writing experience preferred

·         Bi-Lingual (Spanish speaking) preferred

·         Willing to travel throughout designated service area on regular basis (MHSA, 2014)