Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

TAEYC Tennessee Association for the Education of Young Children

TAEYC exists to provide members with professional development opportunities and to advocate for best practice in the care, development, and education of all Tennessee’s young children.

I chose TAEYC because it reminds of NAEYC which is my favorite organization. TAEYC values struck me because it is an acronym for the word CHILDREN.

  Collaboration with all members of the community

  High performing organizational strategies

  Inclusive environments for all children and adults

  Leadership in child advocacy and public policy

  Diversity in the early childhood community

  Relationships with children and their families

  Early care and education professionals who use best practices


  National, regional and local alliances

This organization reminds us that children are at the core of whatever we do. We do it all the betterment of children everywhere. 


Tennessee Head Start Association

Tennessee's Head Start programs serve more than 20,000 children and their families every year with comprehensive education, social and health programs for children, plus programs for family and community development. One or more Head Start classrooms are operated by government, private, faith-based and charitable organizations in nearly every county in the state. In all, Head Start operates almost a thousand classrooms in nearly 350 pre-school centers staffed by loving, well-trained teachers, more than 80% of whom hold a college degree.

Head Start is aimed specifically at high-risk children, typically those from low-income families in which parents are out of a job or are working, single parents. Head Start also targets children in homeless families, children in foster care, as well as children with disabilities. (Tennessee Head Start Association)

What struck me with this program is the health screenings given to the children. We know how important health is at such a young age and with these families being in low-income communities, health risk is higher. 

I looked at job positions for this organization and they are currently seeking an Executive Director for the TN Public Health Association.

The requires and desired qualifications are as listed:

Possess a Bachelor’s degree in public health, public administration, health administration or related field.

·         A minimum of 5 years professional experience

·         Knowledge of the public health infrastructure in Tennessee

·         Knowledge of the legislative process

·         Excellent communicationand computer skills, (Access, Excel, Word, QuickBooks)

QUALIFICATIONS: Desired:

·         Possess a Master’s degree in public health or related field.

·         Professional experience with the Tennessee Department of Health

·         Experience with the legislative process; registered or willing to become a registered lobbyist

·         Experience working with contracts

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Executive Director is responsible to the Board of Directors for the overall management of the Tennessee Public Health Association (TPHA) and for the general administration of the Association.  The Executive Director facilitates the work of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee by coordinating meetings, assisting committees, and providing periodic reports and recommendations. 

In coordination with committee chairs, the Executive Director oversees the development, planning and implementation of the Annual Conference in the fall, three spring meetings, and other events designed to serve the membership of TPHA.  Assembles and disseminates quarterly newsletters to membership, oversees the organization’s website, and works with staff to see that membership information and member registration remains current. Develops and maintains partnerships between TPHA with other partner organizations, associations and universities. Supports legislative committee by assisting with the monitoring of legislation and informing the board regarding legislative proposals related to public health.

SALARY: $62,000 or as commensurate with candidate’s experience and credentials





References

Tennessee Head Start Association http://www.tnheadstart.info/

TAEYC http://www.taeyc.org/index.html