Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

With the graduation of my daughter, I am hoping to become a more active member in some of these organizations or possibly find a new profession among them.

Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children - http://www.iowaaeyc.org/

I have been a member off and on for over ten years and have tried to attend the local meetings. In my area, which is Northwest, there is no information for a contact. This local chapter is comprised of 8 counties. I have been a national, state, and local member and I hope that I can find information on what is going on. Could this be my new journey? This organization is one of the best ones out there.

Early Childhood Iowa - http://www.earlychildhoodiowa.org/index.html

This is an initiative for the well-being of children and families from prenatal to age 5. It is a state-wide program and has local connections as well. I have found more information here that is keeping me inspired and I already sent an email asking for information. I think starting here is a good way of knowing what this organization stands for and what I can do to help get the word out.

Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral - http://www.iowaccrr.org/

When I was an in-home child care provider, this agency provided me with a wealth of information and trainings. In my particular area of Iowa, child care is not easy to find. Our child care center closed and is now used for early childhood classrooms at the public school. I would like to get involved in trainings and teach a class for new teachers and providers. Iowa CCR&R has trainings for in-home providers, child care center providers, and early childhood teachers.

I believe that my Master’s degree, my years of experience, and the genuine passion I have for the early childhood profession will inspire me to seek out a new journey and will allow me to encourage others to do the same.

Reflecting on Learning

I can't believe that this incredible journey is so close. I continue to rise to the challenge of working with children in the early childhood setting and their families. I want to become an advocate for early childhood education by presenting at workshops, conferences, and community events.  Making sure that all families and all children have equality and respect are two areas that should be modeled and revisited several times. There are ways to demonstrate how and with compassion and caring adults in this field. I hope to look into different fields as well to see where I can best share my passion with others.

To my colleagues who have shared and inspired me and all of us in the classes: THANK YOU for all you have shared and for the ideas that became a reality for us. I wish you much success in our last class and throughout your future endeavors!