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

      Here are some National Organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me. I chose these jobs because they required a challenge, advocating, working with stake holders and changing and writing policies that will be beneficial for families of young children who are in head start programs or perhaps in need of early intervention services, parenting skills and quality preschool programs.

Illinois Action for Children

Family Neighborhood Partnership Head Start Coordinator http://actforchildren.hrmdirect.com/employment/view.php?req=244075&jbsrc=1014

Qualifications: Under the direction of the Chicago Ready to Learn/Head Start Supervisor, the Head Start Coordinator provides assistance and referral service to parents seeking early care and education options. Provide follow-up to parents to ensure contact has been made. Provides education and information on child development issues, quality indicators, licensing rules, Head Start Programs, Chicago Ready to Learn Programs, IDHS Child Care Assistance Program and other early learning program options. Serve as a point person for other internal programs and liaison with the Quality Assurance and Integrity Department.

Skills/Qualifications
Bachelors Degree
 Ability to travel locally
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Excellent presentation skills 

  Chicago Public School

Program Manager of Early Childhood Education https://cpsk12il.taleo.net/careersection/3/jobdetail.ftl?job=71881

The Manager of Early Childhood Education (Community Partnership Programs) will provide leadership and management to Preschool for All, Prevention Initiative-Center Based, Prevention Initiative Home Visiting programs in community based agencies funded by Chicago Public Schools

Skills/Qualifications

  Able to manage, lead and supervise staff.

· Ability to work as a team player.

·  Ability to direct, problem solve, develop and delegate as situations dictate.

·  Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with all stakeholders.

·  Ability to travel to schools and other locations throughout the district to meet the needs of the individual schools.

 Policy Associate Illinois Action for Childrenhttp://actforchildren.hrmdirect.com/employment/view.php?req=240734&jbsrc=1014

Under the direction of the  Assistant Director of Public Policy, the Policy Associate monitors and conducts analysis of federal, state and/or local policies as they affect working families, their children and the early childhood profession. Assist in the development of IL Action for Children’s (IAFC) policy and legislative proposals. Support legislative advocacy campaigns by: tracking policy proposals/bills that impact early care and education, serve as key contact for legislative staff in Springfield and state agencies, and provide written materials and analysis for IAFC’s membership as well as elected officials on key policy priorities. All work to be completed with minimum supervision and in accordance with organizational standard.
Skills/Qualifications: Master’s degree in Public Policy and three to five years related training and/or experience strongly preferred.
Bachelor's degree and two years related experience and/or training required; Understanding of policy process.
Excel, PowerPoint, analytical/persuasive writing a must.
Public presentation experience and/or skills required.
Research skills –online and otherwise- required.