Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

I have worked in the early childhood field for more than 20 years and I honestly believe there is no more exciting time to be a member of this profession than now.  There are so many opportunities for us to impact children in families in meaningful ways.  When I entered the profession, I had planned on being a teacher and center director for life.  It is funny how life sometimes leads us down a different path.  While I no longer work directly with children, I am a strong believer that my work (whatever path I follow) must impact them every day.  As I researched organizations and opportunities in my community, I was reminded that there are many, many ways to impact young children and their families.  I chose three organizations to explore who influence the early childhood field.

COSI (Center of Science and Industry)

With a mission to “motivate a desire toward a better understanding of science, industry, health, and history through involvement in exhibits, demonstrations, and a variety of educational activities and experiences” (COSI, 2012), COSI provides hands-on education for children, families and educators.  The center is designed for children of all ages, including Little Kidspace, an area specifically for infants and toddlers.  Many think COSI is a museum but it is so much more than that.  Visitors interact with the exhibits, conduct experiments and make messes while learning engaged in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities.

COSI staff present many workshops for parents, children and educators both onsite and in the community.  They can often be seen in local communities with their “COSI on Wheels” program.  They offer a vast array of teacher resources on their website, www.cosi.org.  Teachers can logon to video conferencing and give students an opportunity to view interesting programs that will extend children’s learning. 

There are no current positions available at COSI but I think it would be really interesting to work as a program director in the early childhood department.   This person is responsible for guiding the development of workshops, setting displays and providing a fun learning environment for children and their families. 

Columbus State Community College

The Early Childhood Development and Education Program at Columbus State Community College began in 1977.  Current coursework includes theoretical knowledge of professional practice and practical application, including observations and practicum experiences.  Students completing this program achieve an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development.  If students choose to complete a student teaching component, they are eligible to apply for a Pre-Kindergarten Associate Teaching Certificate, awarded by the Ohio Department of Education.  For students wishing to continue on to a Bachelor’s program, Columbus State has articulation agreements with Ashland University, Otterbein College, Capitol University and The Ohio State University.  Additionally, the college offers students to opportunity to complete a basic early childhood administrative credential which ensures they meet the requirements to become a child care center administrator.  They also offer an infant/toddler credential for those students with an interest in working specifically with infants and toddlers.

Currently, Columbus State has openings for adjunct faculty in the early childhood program.  Applicants must be willing to work days, evenings and/or weekends and be able to teach any of the courses in the program.  Faculty are also responsible for observing and evaluating students in their field practicum.  Qualifications for this position must possess a Master’s degree in early childhood development or family ecology and human development.  They must also possess Pre-K licensure.

University of Cincinnati Early Childhood Learning Community (ECLC):

The ECLC is a leading online learning program in which students have several options.  A nine-month CDA workshop is available and students receive college credit which can be applied to an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.  Students can complete an Associate’s degree in Early Care and Education with specializations in either infants and toddlers or preschoolers.  A further option is a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood with a specialization in children birth to 5.   Students completing either the Associate’s or Bachelor’s program are eligible to apply for Pre-Kindergarten Associate License from the Ohio Department of Education.  The ECLC is accredited by the following organizations:  North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and Ohio Department of Education.

The ECLC website encourages interested candidates to apply for faculty positions to teach online.  Qualifications include a Master’s degree in education or a related field, at least three years teaching Pre-K and college level teaching experience.

Considering my specialization of teaching adults in early childhood, I will apply to both colleges upon completion on my Master’s degree.  I have wanted to teach for the University of Cincinnati for some time but have needed to wait until I met the qualifications.  I currently teach at a local community college and teaching online would be very different from that experience.  I included COSI because I have always enjoyed taking my children.  It is truly a special place for and about children and science!

COSI. (2012). About COSI. Retrieved from COSI: http://www.cosi.org/about-cosi/mission