The
International Step by Step Association (ISSA) is a network that connects
professionals and non-profit organizations working in the field of early
childhood in more than 40 countries. Their mission is to provide high quality
care and educational services for all children from birth to ten years with a
focus on the poorest and most disadvantaged; to ensure greater inclusion of
family and community participation in children’s development and learning; and
to ensure social inclusion and respect for diversity (ISSA). While researching
the ISSA, I found a link to join their online community that serves as a portal
for exchanging information, reading relevant news and accessing an online
library. For me, I appreciate this online space where I can collaborate and
participate in joint initiatives while engaging with like-minded peers who
share my passion. I have noticed a common theme while investigating various
early childhood organizations around the world. They all strive to provide all
children with access and equity of care, quality and professionalism of
teachers, and the education and inclusion of parents and communities in child
development. YES!
The
international organization Save the
Children has programs in over 120 countries including the United States. They
aim “to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to
achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives by improving their health,
education and economic opportunities” (Save the Children).
Currently there
is a job opportunity as a Coordinator of Early Childhood in the Early Steps
to School Success program that “provides early childhood education services
to pregnant women and children birth to five years of age, education services
to their parents, and ongoing staff training to the community early childhood
educators” (Save the Children). Goals include ensuring that children enter
school with the skills needed to succeed, parents gaining the knowledge and
skills needed to support their children’s education, strong home/school
connections, and increasing community awareness in early childhood. In addition
to building strong relationships with peers and workgroups, my responsibilities
would include providing regular home visits to families, recruiting families
into the program, developing program activities, conducting child screenings,
participating in training and technical assistance activities, and participating
in the evolution of Early Steps (Save
the Children). This job requires a highly motivated, flexible, and
non-judgmental individual who is eager to learn. They need at least 2-3 years
of experience in the field and an Associates degree is preferred. This job
appeals to me because I would not only be working with young children, but with
their families and in their communities as well! I believe the goals of the
program are very clear and that I could truly help to make a difference.
The United Nations Education,
Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) works to “create the conditions
for dialogue among civilization, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for
commonly shared values” (UNESCO). Their mission is “to contribute to the
building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and
intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication
and information” (UNESCO). The UNESCO’s overarching objectives include
attaining quality education for all and lifelong learning; mobilizing science
knowledge and policy for sustainable development; addressing emerging social
and ethical challenges; fostering cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue
and culture of peace; and building inclusive knowledge societies through
information and communication (UNESCO).
Currently there
is a job opportunity as a Program Specialist in Education. Responsibilities include
providing policy advice and technical support to Member States in Central Asia
in the education policy formation and review, and the development of national
education strategies and plans within the Central Asia countries.
Qualifications include an advanced university degree in pedagogical, social
science, education or related fields. While this position seems a bit “out of
my league” it is interesting to imagine going from a preschool director and
teacher in a suburb of San Francisco to an international organization whose
vision is to secure the wellbeing of ALL children worldwide.
References
United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization UNESCO. Retrieved
