Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

The three local communities of practice that appealed to me the most are the: (a) 4-c Community Coordinated Child Care, (b) the Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborative Partners, and (c) the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (W.E.C.A). I chose these organizations because they all advocate for children, families, and early educators. Additionally, each organization has an interactive website where they provide resources, trainings, and advocacy opportunities. The 4-c and W.E.C.A provide ongoing trainings, affiliate meetings, and annual conferences that connect teachers, parents, and leaders in the field. The Wisconsin Collaborative Partners brings current research and statewide policies to practitioners. It also links early educators and families to the K-12 school system. I have been interested in being more involved in advocacy and social change in the field. I have joined our local National Association for the Education of Young Children affiliate. I believe joining the abovementioned organizations will help me connect with professionals who share my passion for improving the lives of children and families and provide me with the platform and resources needed to be an effective advocate. Some of the job opportunities that interest me are all related to parenting education and professional development. I have been drawn to these positions because I would like to work with parents and educators in providing healthy and safe developmental environments. I have the competencies to be selected for these positions. However, most of the positions require an advance university degree in child development, early childhood, or social work. I hope, completing my master’s in early childhood studies, will give me an edge. For more information on these programs visit: http://www.4-c.org/ http://www.collaboratingpartners.com/ http://wisconsinearlychildhood.org/