Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Community Action Organization is a local agency in Hillsboro, Oregon. The agency has been functioning for over 47 years. Community Action programs promote the birth of healthy babies, reduce the potential for child abuse and neglect, increase children's chances for success in school, and improve the quality and accessibility of child care. We also offer energy assistance and help to prevent homelessness. I worked for Community Action for over six years as a Head Start teacher. I chose Community Action because of all the different services they offer to help families and children in the community.

Adelante Mujeres (Forward Women) is an organization based in Forest Grove, Oregon. They work to educate and empower low-income Latina women and families. Adelante Mujeres provides Latina women and their families the tools to achieve self-determination in the areas of education and enterprise. I chose this organization because I have heard of the good work they do in the community and the programs they have to offer Latina women. They have a preschool as well as classes for adults. They also have groups in the local schools for girls to participate in after school.

Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC) is dedicated to improving the lives of children and families by providing early childhood education, care and advocacy with unique and supportive services to enhance family growth and community success. OCDC has many programs to offer, such as, migrant Head Start, migrant education, pre-kindergarten, and literacy programs. I chose this agency because I believe in their mission. The line which stood out on their website was, “We practice inclusiveness. We do so by embracing children and families’ cultural uniqueness for the richness that it brings to services and communities.”

Job opportunities:
Early Childhood Specialist at Community Action Organization.
This position is responsible for increasing community access to quality child care. Duties include providing support to child care providers through individual and group training, referrals, and technical assistance on issues related to child care. Requires working with a culturally diverse population of providers, families and employers to achieve maximum service using collaborative skills. Also responsible for answering questions received through the Child Care Resource & Referral phone line, understanding and answering questions related to child care subsidies or other areas pertinent to the work of the CCR&R Department.

Skills needed:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, Group presentation work, knowledge of childcare and education issues, Ability to work independently and collaborate with others.

Experience needed:
BA/BS in Early Childhood Education and minimum one year experience.