Exploring Roles in The Early Childhood Community

Local & State Levels

Voices for Georgia's Children is an advocacy group that mobilizes groups of people that have a vested interest in the lives of children and platforms that support education, child welfare, social policy and research. This organization is invaluable to my professional career to the extent that it provides me with access to current and relevant information in the early childhood education field.

Quality Care for Children is a resource for parents, childcare providers and community leaders across the state of Georgia. Their regional offices make them accessible to local communities and the educational opportunities available assist early childhood professionals endeavoring to earn credentials.

In collaboration with Georgia Department of Public Health, Safe Kids Worldwide provides community outreach services to increase awareness on keeping children safe.  In particular, this organization routinely sponsors community events in which families can have their car seats checked to ensure proper installation.

____________________________________________________________

National/Federal Level

The Child & Adult Care Food Program is a federally funded agency that provides assistance to children and adult care institutions, and family or group day care homes in order to ensure nutritious food is served that will aid in the overall wellness of young children, older adults and those who are chronically impaired.

Child Care Aware, formally the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral (NACCRA), works with state and local Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies nationwide.  The primary focus of this organization is to ensure families across the country have access to high-quality and affordable child care.  In addition, they lead quality initiative projects, develop research and advocate for child care policies that have a positive impact on children and families.

The United States Department of Education (ED) is a combination of several federal agencies that was created in 1980. Its mission is to "promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access".  ED establishes policies on federal financial aid for education; collects data and disseminates research on US schools; focuses national attention on essential educational issues; and, prohibits discrimination and ensures equal access to education.

____________________________________________________________


Internationally

The Kid World Citizen website is the brainchild of Becky Morales. It provides activities for young children that fosters learning about all things global. The website is user friendly and includes many layers of resources to explore.

World Organization for Early Childhood Education is a non-profit organization that has members in more than 70 countries.  With admirable goals to serve children birth through eight years, this non-governmental organization aims to ensure the well-being, rights and education of children.  Comprised of teachers, social workers, administrators, policy makers, journalists--to name a few, OMEP is the oldest and largest international organization focusing on early childhood.

The Alliance for Childhood serves as network that focuses on the care and education of children. The alliance identifies as an unconventional organization that is a collaborative effort.  Their projects and initiatives include focus on play, noteworthy campaigns, conferences and websites. There are currently 22 international partners joining to mobilize the alliance. 

____________________________________________________________

"History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children." ~Nelson Mandela