Week 2: Potential Career Choices

There are many educational endeavors in my local area of Shreveport that I would enjoy being a part of but there are never many openings. There are some cases that many does not want to hire you unless you know someone that is already a part of the organization, which is unfortunate. A community of practice is not really inviting to those who is new but I know that one they get to know me, they would embrace my gifts. I know it takes time for some to invite a ‘new face’ into their already established group. Women can be difficult at timesJ. Nevertheless, I looked up some different areas that are local that interest me and I would not mind joining their team.

First one is Evangel Christian Academy, which caters to grades K-12. I would love to be involved with the Kindergarteners. The fact that it is a Christian-based school and does not attempt to bane Christianity from the learning environment. Their website is: http://www.evangelacademy.com/ . “Evangel is committed to Christ-centered excellence in every area -- academics, athletics and the arts. The school offers many advantages for its students and their parents. Evangel students annually win championships in academics, athletics and the arts.  We believe that students are prepared for life long success when they are challenged to grow mentally, physically and spiritually” (Evangel Christian Academy, 2015, para. 1).

Career Opportunities: The only thing they have this year coming up is for a Math Teacher but I would have loved to apply for the principal position. They actually have two principals (Elementary and High School), a pastor of all grades/schools and a chancellor. Since the position is not available, it really does not have the description available that one would view, if they wanted to apply and see if they qualified for the position.

#2 Choice is Bright Horizons, which began in London but is now in over a 100 locations in the United States. The closest in my area is in Monroe, Louisiana. It has many of the same beliefs that I have such as they “believe each child is special and holds the future in their hands” (Bright Horizon, 2015). Their website is: http://www.brighthorizons.com/

Mission or dedication: Our early education programs and schools include world-class curriculum and knowledgeable child development professionals that meet the needs of children at every age and stage. We also understand the many needs of working parents. Our back-up care, before- and after-school programs, and summer camps enable parents to go to work knowing their children are happy, safe, and well cared for. See more at: http://www.brighthorizons.com/programs/child-care-programs#sthash.vc5oe6Sp.dpuf . This is a strong key basis about early childhood educators.

Career Options: Reach your potential. Teaching and working at Bright Horizons is more than just a job. At Bright Horizons, you'll achieve your career goals while helping children and families realize their own. As the world's leading provider of high-quality child care, education, and work/life solutions, we help families and their children be their best by embracing who they are and creating strategies that help them thrive. That same philosophy guides our professional culture, empowering diverse and talented people to focus on the best parts of their character and capabilities...and to use those qualities to redefine their potential.

Be yourself. We value the qualities that make you unique - your sense of humor and sense of responsibility, your passion for helping others and commitment to high performance - and we're dedicated to creating a work environment where you can leverage your strengths to pursue a challenging and meaningful career and cultivate a satisfying and full life.

You can work in the center/school or corporate areas and even has international opportunities. Our corporate employees are passionate about their work. These enthusiastic team members support our centers, schools, and other business functions throughout the Bright Horizons family. Opportunities exist in many corporate settings, from our global headquarters in Watertown, MA, to remote offices throughout the country, to our contact center in Broomfield, CO.
At Bright Horizons child care centers and schools, our teachers enjoy a diverse variety of highly rewarding job possibilities working with infant, toddler, preschool, and school-age children. Center directors and other leadership roles offer the chance to create and refine the culture and curriculum of our child care programs, while support positions allow employees to apply unique talents and abilities every day. At Bright Horizons, you can make a difference.

#3 Choice Early Care and Education Consortium is a non-profit alliance of America's leading providers of quality early learning programs. Consortium members operate more than 8,200 licensed centers in every state, caring for and educating over one million children every day across the country. The Early Care and Education Consortium is an advocacy voice for child care providers as policies for child care and early learning develop and change across the country.
The website is http://www.ececonsortium.org/
This is one I would definitely enjoy because it allows one to advocate for child care providers. This one excites me the most. The closest location center is in Texas but in Shreveport, Louisiana. We are just 20 to 30 minutes away from Texas State Line. Being able to assist centers and help those to be treated fairly would be wonderful. This is a job that advocacy is number one.

Career Option: State Policy Senior Associate>

The Successful Applicant will have:

A positive, upbeat attitude, the ability to handle multiple tasks under time-sensitive deadlines, the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, and to remain flexible and resourceful as part of a small staff while maintaining a high level of professionalism are key requirements of the job.

• A  Bachelor’s degree ( Master’s preferred) plus five to eight  years of progressive experience at the state and/or federal level in issue advocacy, policy development or analysis, and strong knowledge of early childhood issues

• Excellent written, oral and public presentation skills including the ability to translate technical concepts succinctly to diverse stakeholders and audiences.  Demonstrated ability to prioritize, organize and complete work independently and as part of a team
• Availability for travel within United States
• Ability to use e-advocacy and e-communication tools

• Strong computer skills, including advanced knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel , MS PowerPoint and other office programs
• Effective interpersonal communication skills including the ability to develop relationships and coordinate the work of virtual teams and committees
• Desire to work with others to strengthen community early care and education  programs and services  thru advocacy in support of independent community providers of high quality early learning programs , children and their families