Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

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

International Step by Step Association. Retrieved from http://www.issa.nl/

Save the Children. Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/

United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization UNESCO. Retrieved

from http://www.unesco.org/