Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

“Meaningful engagement of families in their children's early learning supports school readiness and later academic success” NAEYC (n.d.). It is therefore essential that early childhood programs engage families in their curriculum, improve strategies that would help develop partnership with families. 

 

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there is no body that works for the ECE community on a national level, only on state levels, some of which was explored in my earlier blog. I would rather look into international early childhood communities to see what programs they have that foster the well being of children, families and the early childhood field. 

 

Organization such as NAEYC that is based on improving the early childhood field is something I wish was operating here in United Arab Emirates too. Its professional development opportunities and resources would help to provide leadership, coordination and services to build and maintain a strong early childhood organizational structure here. Especially, with its Engaging Diverse Families (EDF) project which is a project to learn the effectiveness of engaging diverse families in the early childhood programs and share resources and information with other organizations trying to start and sustain family engagement practices. With diversity present here in UAE, a project such as this, would help early childhood programs to relate with children and families from different backgrounds. http://www.naeyc.org/ecp/trainings/edf 

 

Another international organization that engages families as a core component of improving pre-k quality and build essential relationships between families and the education system is the Pew Charitable Trust (http://www.pewtrusts.org/our_work_report_detail.aspx?id=59715). Pew Charitable Trust with their mission to enhance children’s learning at home and at school, and promote supportive and effective parenting by building essential relationships between families and the education system can be a valuable member of my community of practice. 

 

Zero to Three is a national, nonprofit organization that provides parents, professionals and policymakers the knowledge and know-how to nurture early development (http://www.zerotothree.org). Their leadership, expertise, and resources for professional development help to ensure that babies and toddlers have a strong start in life. Under their care and education section they share resources and tips that would foster intellectual, social and emotional development and lay the foundation for later school success.

 

Exploring on the job market here in Abu Dhabi, one of the jobs in the market here in UAE, that is similar to what I am already doing is that of a Lead Teacher. 

 

Qualifications / Criteria Required:

Qualifications: 

•   Must have a passion for working with young children and their parents/caregivers.
•   2 – 5 years experience in teaching and/or working with young children (from 12mths and up) required.
•   University or College Degree required. Post graduate Degree preferred. Specialization in Early Childhood Teaching is a plus.
•   Must be a team player and able to work with different nationalities.
•   Must have enthusiasm, dedication, and a good work ethic.
•   Must be able to manage many tasks quickly and efficiently and be able to work in a fast paced environment.
•   Outstanding written and interpersonal communication skills required.
•   Must be fluent in English. Proficiency in Arabic, Russian, French or other languages is a plus. 

 Relevant Information:

•   Energetically teach and Manage nursery classes by following Knowledge of Reggio Emilia and Emergent Curriculum preferred.
•   Lead groups of young children and their parents/caregivers through different activities.
•   Ensure that children are comfortable, safe and having fun learning in their environment.
•   Build positive relationships with co-teachers, parents, and children.
•   Must be able to communicate well with parents regarding early learning and the value of play based learning programs.
•   Must be well versed in teaching and the development of young Children.
•   Must understand the benefits and philosophy behind reflective teaching practices.
•   Read and follow all policies as outlined in the Teachers Manual.
•   Have excellent product knowledge of all offerings.
•   Communicate to the manager any classrooms supplies that need to be replenished or replaced.

  

Though it is non-teaching another kind of post found in certain schools here in UAE is 

 

Parent Relations Executive

•  We are seeking and individual who has a customer-centred philosophy and can develop and maintain open channels of communications with existing and prospective parents and school administration.  
•  The role involves a significant focus on marketing the school to a wider community. Excellent communication skills required both orally and in writing.  
•   Individual must be a passionate brand ambassador to the school.

 Skills & Experience: 

•   Proficient in the latest computer packages with excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.  
•  Previous experience in Marketing/ Communication is required with a minimum of two years in a customer service focused role

But what I would really like is to be part of a research group that would help me use the research to uplift the educational system here in Abu Dhabi, for which I found no such vacancies here.

 

 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Exploring the internet for early childhood organizations, agencies and communities of practice that operate locally here in Abu Dhabi where I live was extremely difficult. There were no such listings to be found in Abu Dhabi under such a given name.

On further exploration, my search brought me to the website of GEMS Education Solutions (http://www.gemseducation.com/solutions/) that focuses on school effectiveness. I was really excited to come upon this site. It was interesting to see that the GEMS education solutions had partnered with the Abu Dhabi Educational Council (the ministry that governs the education here in the Abu Dhabi) in 2012 to provide professional development and educational transformation as part of its endeavor to increase school-level leadership and capacity. Their missions and values in education transformation strategies, curriculum development, teaching and learning practices, program design and evaluation, policy making and organizational development appealed to me. Knowing that they provide support to private and public sectors from US to China, including Abu Dhabi and India open out more opportunities for me. Among their several consulting services, I found they also focus on my utmost passionate interest -Parent Engagement and Partnership Program (http://www.gemseducation.com/solutions/consulting-services/parent-engagement-partnership-program?submenuid=5157&parentid=1107)- that is crucial for breaking down barriers because of the cultural diversity found here in UAE. GEMS have such leading personalities such as academics, educationalists, authors and researchers on their parent engagement advisory board that it would be an honor to work under the guidance of such leading thinkers (http://www.gemseducation.com/solutions/consulting-services/parent-engagement-advisory-board?submenuid=5546&parentid=1107). In fact The GEMS School in Abu Dhabi did have a job vacancy as a parent relations executive responsible in maintaining open channels of communication with existing and prospective parents and school administration. They also have teaching vacancy for teachers from foundation stage to year 9 requiring attested Bachelor's Degree with a B.Ed/ TTC, a minimum of two years teaching experience, valid UAE residence visa (for expat candidates on husband's or father's sponsorship), and excellent communication skills.

Another site I came across in my search that caught my attention was a children’s nursery in Dubai (Emirate 2 hours from Abu Dhabi) called Blossom Children’s Nursery (http://www.theblossomnursery.com/). This nursery was awarded the winner of the prestigious Arabian Child Award for the best early childhood service provider of the year 2011. What appealed to me were the credentials of the founder of Blossom, Zahra Hamirani. She is a law professor working with many organizations including International Montessori Foundation and National Association for Early Years Practitioners (www.naeyc.org). NAEYC is an organization I regard highly and to know there is someone in this country who is associated with it and has merged all that knowledge into implementing a curriculum that is stimulating and engaging to get children the best start of their early years created in me a hope of forming a community of practice. If we could form a community of practice, with her kind of focus and commitment, we could ensure many nurseries setting standards of international excellence here in UAE.

National Association for the education of Young Children (NAEYC) (http://www.naeyc.org/) is an organization that is based on bettering well-qualified practitioners and improving the conditions these professionals work in, improving early childhood education by working to deliver a high-quality system of supporting early childhood programs, and encouraging excellence in childhood education for all children by constructing an extraordinary, all-around organization of groups and individuals who are committed to promoting excellence in early childhood education for all young children. Being a member of this community of practice and staying informed can support me in my professional development and help me stay current on early childhood issues, and participate in group efforts to promote improvement in services to young children.

Being in the diverse community I am in, establishing and supporting a community of diverse membership would help to connect people not merely through ideas but through feelings, passion and drive to support and sustain quality care and education within a community.