The Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TXAEYC) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented graduate student for a non-paid Early Childhood Policy Internship. The intern will gain valuable hands-on experience in early childhood policy and advocacy while supporting the organization's legislative and administrative priorities. This position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer. The candidate must reside in Austin, TX or surrounding area. Schedule and hours are flexible based on qualified candidate’s availability.
About TXAEYC
The Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TXAEYC) is a professional membership association that works to increase access to high-quality early childhood education and to advance a diverse, well-prepared and well-compensated early childhood profession. With nearly 3,000 members and 20 local chapters, TXAEYC is the largest membership organization in the state of Texas for early childhood professionals and is committed to providing programs and services that equitably meet the needs of young children, their families, and early childhood professionals. We are an affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA), and the Associate Degree Early Childhood Teacher Educators – ACCESS.
The Vision of TXAEYC is that each and every child in Texas experiences a safe, joyful, and respected early childhood. Our Mission is to empower and inspire a community of early childhood professionals through advocacy, resources, and collaboration to effectively serve young children and their families. To achieve this, TXAEYC leverages the power of our members to serve the early childhood field. Our portfolio of programming includes a wide range of government funded programs and services aimed at increasing the quality of programs and furthering the professional development of early childhood educators. Additionally, we facilitate the regular sharing of information and resources through our annual conference, research journal, newsletter, webinars, and membership meetings. As a trusted and valued voice, TXAEYC works with elected officials and state agency staff to strengthen and advance public policy aligned with best practices.
TXAEYC continually strives to demonstrate its organizational values of human-centered integrity, authentic diversity, expansive curiosity, empathetic inquiry, and cooperative community.
TXAEYC values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture — people of color, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people from other underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply.
OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION
TXAEYC is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented graduate student for a non-paid Early Childhood Policy Internship. The intern will gain valuable hands-on experience in early childhood policy and advocacy while supporting the organization's legislative and administrative priorities. The intern will work directly with the CEO of the organization and support the organization in championing our policy agenda of the 89th Session of the Texas Legislature.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Bill Tracking and Analysis:
- Monitor legislative activity and analyze proposed bills impacting early childhood education.
- Draft a bi-monthly newsletter for TXAEYC members with bill updates.
- Maintain TXAEYC’s bill tracker on our website.
Data Analysis:
- Analyze administrative data from state agencies to inform policy recommendation and legislative offices on latest data trends.
- Develop and deploy surveys to the field to gather data regarding current needs of the early childhood field.
Drafting Policy Briefs and Memos:
- Develop concise, evidence-based documents to support advocacy efforts and inform stakeholders.
Member Engagement:
- Coordinate legislative visits and public testimony opportunities for TXAEYC members.
Advocacy Support:
- Assist in organizing events and meetings related to early childhood education advocacy.
Desired Skills and Qualifications:
- Currently pursuing a graduate degree in public policy, education policy, early childhood education, or a related field.
- Strong analytical and research skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Passionate about early childhood education and advocacy.
- Must be located in Austin, TX.
Special Working Requirements:
- Must be able to manipulate and operate office supplies and equipment. Occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities.
- A clear background check, with no substantiation or criminal conviction of child abuse or neglect or fiduciary misconduct.
- Must continually strive to demonstrate TXAEYC’s organizational values of human-centered integrity, authentic diversity, expansive curiosity, empathetic inquiry, and cooperative community.
Compensation
This is a non-paid position.
To Apply
Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter. The cover letter should describe your interest in the position and include a detailed explanation of how your experience meets the minimum qualifications and prepares you for the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. This position is available immediately and will remain open until filled. Phone call inquiries will not be accepted.
To Apply: Please submit Word or PDF files only of your cover letter and resume to: cody@texasaeyc.org.
Non-Discrimination
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, age, creed, religion, physical ability, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, previous incarceration, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law. TXAEYC offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, professional development opportunities and a deep commitment to a meaningful work-life balance.
