Saturday, July 13, 2013

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: State and Local Levels


 
                                                                               Blog Assignment

 

Many local and state organizations relate to early childhood education in Pennsylvania.  While it is difficult to narrow my preference to just three, I have chosen the following to share for this week's blog assignment.

The Capital Area Early Childhood Training Institute (CAECTI) is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  The focus of this institute is to provide training opportunities for early childhood educators.  In addition, they offer technical assistance for Child Development Associate Certification.  There are four main goals relating to the institute.  These goals include “developing and delivering  professional development opportunities, disseminate information, serve as advocates of high-quality programming, and serve a primary contact for Early Childhood Mental Health referrals, and technical assistance” (Capital Area Early Childhood Training Institute, 2005).

Job Opportunities for this particular organization could possibly include mentoring for early childhood practioners, management opportunities as well as teaching opportunities.  After reviewing the current staff that works there, it shows that all staff must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, while many have completed their graduate degrees in fields that relate to early childhood. 

            The Lancaster Area Association for the Education of Young Children (LAAEYC) is a branch of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  The local branch consists of officers and a board with early childhood professionals.  The job opportunities for this organization will vary depending on programs and funding.  Furthermore, each year, the Lancaster Association holds a six-hour conference on all types of topics;     this may be another opportunity for me to teach adults about early childhood education. 

            Lastly, Pennsylvania reorganized and combined their certification and licensing programs and changed its name to the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL).    This new office coordinates the Department of Public Welfare and Department of Education.          Job opportunities for me within this organization would be licensing and instruction for practioners. 

            Pennsylvania has implemented many new ideas, and these organizations help to distinguish and challenge early childhood practioners.  Most of the major organizations relating to early childhood expect appropriate knowledge as it relates to early childhood education. Within all of these organizations, Bachelor’s degrees are requested to start the process of teaching and implementing many new techniques relating to early childhood professionals.

References

Lancaster Area Association for the Education of Young Children.  (2006). Retrieved from http://laaeyc.org/index.html

Office of Child Development and Early Learning.  (2013). Early childhood programs.  Retrieved from http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/dpworganization/officeofchilddevelopmentandearlylearning/index.htm

Pennsylvania State University.  Capital Area Early Childhood Education Training Institute.  (2005). Retrieved from http://ecti.hbg.psu.edu/aboutus/index.htm

 

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