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

After exploring many communities of practice on a national or federal level, three were identified that appeal to me.  The first national community of practice that appealed to me was the Early Childhood Community of Practice located at http://www.tapartnership.org/COP/earlyChildhood/default.php. This community of practiced appealed to me because it deals directly to young children and the issues and challenges that are faced by early childhood professionals.

The second national community of practice that appealed to me was the Teacher’s research initiative sponsored by NAEYC. This community of practice can be located at http://www.tapartnership.org/COP/earlyChildhood/default.php. I am really interested in this community of practice because I have a strong passion for research and research findings. I believe that research is the foundation in addressing any challenge or issue that is encountered in the field of early childhood.

The final national community of practice that appealed to me was the National Association for Special Education Teachers located at http://www.tapartnership.org/COP/earlyChildhood/default.php. Although I am not a special education teacher, my work and Capstone project pertains directly to children that suffer from disabilities.

One job of interest to me that is currently not available is a lifestyle/career coach for adults that suffer from behavioral problems or autism. It is essential to guide and prove young children with the tools they need that possess these disabilities, however, little thought has been put on whom will assist these children acclimate into society when they become adults. That is why this position interests me.

A second job of interest to me that is currently available to be is an after school program staff trainer from disadvantaged and disabled children. Although I love working with children, I find this job interesting because it would allow me to share my experiences and knowledge in order to better prepare other early childhood educators to change the lives of children.

A final job of interest of me that is currently available is a community transition specialist. This job is of interest to me because it allow the professional to assist young children and older children through the transitional process of entering into a new educational phase.

All three of these jobs of interest require a minimum of a 4-year degree in special education or early childhood education. All three jobs also require the applicant to be an excellent communicator, computer literate,  patient and compassionate, and a leader. 

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.