Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

This week, we were tasked with identifying potential communities of practice and job opportunities on a state or local level that appeal to us.  After exploring the communities of practice available in the state of Michigan and in the local area. I was successful in identifying three organizations. The first organization identified was the Michigan Association of Special Education located at http://www.maase.org/Activities.php?ID=5. There are several reasons why this community of practice appeals to me. In addition to being directly related to my career, this community of practice also relates directly to my Capstone project and places a strong emphasis on anti-discrimination, professional development, and the enrichment of all members of society (MAASE, 2012).

The second organization that was identified was Early On located at http://www.1800earlyon.org/. This Michigan-based community of practice appeals to me because it places a strong emphasis on anti-biased education in the early childhood as well as a strong emphasis the cognitive, social, and emotional of development of pre-school children with disabilities (Early On, 2012).

The final community of practice that appeals to me is the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency or K-RESA located at http://www.kresa.org/site/default.aspx?PageID=1. This local agency appeals to me because it directly services the community in which I work and live. It also appeals to me because it focuses on overcoming adversities associated with special education students and providing parents and schools with resources that are needed in order to foster the healthy growth and development of special education students (K-RESA, 2012).

One position that is of interest to me that is currently available is a teaching position at K-Resa. In order to be considered for this job, I must possess excellent communication skills, the ability to work with mentally and physically disable children, and a flexible work disposition.

Another position that is of interest to me that is currently not available is a social story writer for an organization like K-RESA. In order to be considered for this job, I would need to possesses excellent story writing skills, a full upstanding on the developmental and social challenges associated with autism and behavioral disorders, and excellent communication skills.

A final position of interest to me that is currently available is a Program  Area Supervisor for the YMCA in the Kalamazoo area. In order to be considered for this job, I must possess excellent communication skills, an understanding on how to work with underprivileged and homeless adults and children, and one-year supervisory experience.

References

Early On. (2012). Home. Retrieved from http://www.1800earlyon.org/.

K-RESA. (2012). About us. Retrieved from http://www.kresa.org/Page/1.

MAASE. (2012). Communities of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.maase.org/index.php.