Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community:
Internationally
There are
many organizations that work on behalf of children in the early childhood
community. The three that I found the
most interesting were the World Organization for Early Childhood Education, the
Association for Childhood Education International, and the International Step
by Step Association. All three of these
organizations have a mission focus that includes educating and helping children
and their families. They promote a
greater inclusion of the family and community in educating and raising the
children to promote social and economic prosperity.
The World
Organization for Early Childhood Education: OMEP-USA (2010)-Since 1946 this
organization was developed to promote the wellbeing, rights, and education of
young children. It is composed of
teachers, teacher educators, childcare providers, researchers, social workers,
doctors, nurses, and psychologists who all work together to make a difference
for children around the world. OMEP-USA
is an American branch of the World OMEP which is a non-profit child advocacy
organization associated with the United Nations, UNICEF and UNESCO. Membership can be obtained through an
application with various levels of membership beginning with a student who
wishes to work in education or social services field to organizations willing
to become partners. Applications for
this organization include being able to support their projects through
fundraisers, or even organizing a membership group in your local area.
The
Association for Childhood Education International’s mission is to promote and
support the highest education, development, and well-being of children
world-wide as they influence the professional growth of educators and the
efforts of those who are committed to the needs of children in a changing
society (2011). They believe in a need
for a strong foundation for learning at an early age and a greater investment
in public education. These are two very
important issues that are being discussed by policy makers all over the world
today. Diversity is also a key issue
because they also believe that schools should be mixed in terms of social
backgrounds. Members may join as
Professional Plus or regular Professional Members. There were however specific qualifications
for executive board members which included being able to demonstrate a clear
commitment to furthering the well-being of children worldwide, possessing
strong leadership skills, being from the education or other human-service
related sector.
The International
Step by Step Association (ISSA): This
organization was established 1999 in the Netherlands. It connects organizations and professionals
who work in the early childhood development and education field. Equal access to quality education and the
care for all children by supporting communities with a strong civil society is
their mission. They believe in providing
high quality care and educational services for all children ages birth through
10 years of age especially the poor and disadvantaged (n.d.). The resources they provide are intended to
influence policy reform for families and children with a special focus on the
younger years of a child’s life. Individuals
may become a Friend of ISSA free of charge which enables you to interact and
connect with an online community.
Affiliate Members and Full Member must join through an
organization.
Becoming a
member of each of these organizations would greatly benefit and enhance my
knowledge of the resources available to children and families around the world.
I would be able to connect and interact with other professionals who advocate
for the healthy development of children and their families. My first step would be to become a member
through their online community in order to learn more about each
organization.
Reference:
Association
for Childhood Education International. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.acei.org.
International Step By Step Association. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011 ,
from http://www.issa.nl/index.html
World
Organization for Early Childhood Education. (2010). Retrieved from http:// www.omep-usnc.org
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