This week I researched several early childhood education international organizations. First, I found information on The United Nations Children’s Fund or UNICEF. I was intrigued to learn about UNICEF as I have heard this name many times, but I really didn’t know much about this organization. Between the years of 2006-2013, UNICEF has five major focus areas. These include child survival and development, basic education and gender equality, HIV / AIDS and children, child protection and policy advocacy and partnerships (UNICEF, n.d.). UNICEF works with countries all over the world to help protect basic human rights through advocacy, emergency help, fundraising, policy advising, statistics monitoring and providing medical supplies, just to name a few. Upon researching job opportunities within UNICEF, I looked for jobs available in the United States
The next organization I investigated was The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO for short. The purpose of this organization is to create opportunities for different cultures, civilizations and people to find ways to respect shared values. Their goal is to create and build peace, end poverty, build global lifetime learning, build on gender equality and addressing various social challenges (UNESCO, 2011). There is currently an opening for the position of Educational Program Coordinator. However, this position is only available in Bangkok , Thailand Myanmar and will contribute to the office management in the UNESCO project office in Yangon (UNESCO, 2011). Applicants must have at least a master’s degree in education and at least 7 years of experience in the education field. One must also possess excellent communication and organizational skills. While I feel I would be qualified for this position, I would not desire to move to Thailand
Next, I looked into the organization, Save the Children. This organization is set forth with the goal to create lasting change in the lives of children through advocacy, working with families and communities, government agencies and policy-makers. They are also somewhat of a Red Cross for children. When there are disasters around the world, they are there to provide relief such as food, clothing and shelter. This organization appeals to me because they are there 100% to help children. Being an educator, I feel strongly about this topic. They do have a job opening as a coordinator for the Early Steps to School Success (E.S.S.S.) program. The person doing this job would be responsible for in-home visits and preparing families for their child’s social, emotional and developmental success. They would also provide developmental screenings for developmentally delayed children as well as providing assistance with school readiness programs and book exchanges (Save the Children, 2011). The qualifications needed for this position are an Associate of Art degree in Early Childhood Education, 2-3 years of experience in leading families and communities in early childhood programs and experience and training with in-home visitations. I think I would be qualified for this position with the exception of the in-home visit experience as I have never performed an in-home visitation.
References:
Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved April 2, 2013, from http://www.unicef.org/
United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2011). Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us/who-we-are/introducing-unesco/
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI too had heard about a few of the organizations that were part of this week assignment but knew little to nothing about the real purpose behind the logos. I found researching them both rewarding and informing! I did find the possibility of working abroad scary and exciting. Because most of the work done by these organizations is outside the United States in order to get the full extent and who you are helping and what their true needs are emerging yourself in their culture and circumstance is needed.
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteSave the Children was one of the organizations I looked at too. I was also interested in the job posting for the coordinator for Early Steps to School Success program. It sounds like such an interesting and rewarding job. I would love to help families locate an early childhood program for their child and empower them to be a part of their child's education. I too have never done a home visit and would love to!
Hi, Rachel!
ReplyDeleteIt is quite intriguing that we both looked at the same 3 organizations and even specified the same 2 jobs/positions (ESSS Coordinator for Save the Children and Education Program coordinator for UNESCO).
Looks like we both have similar passions!
Dear Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI like your expression saying that Save the Children is like a Red Cross for children. Even though I decided to join Walden to become a preschool teacher, through exploring jobs that work for children, I’ve gotten interested in jobs that help poor children, help children to find a new family, and work for children when disasters occur too. Thank you for sharing the resources!
Aya