Three local/ state organizations or communities of practice
that appealed to me are Early On, United Way, and Child Care Network.
I chose Early On because many wonder whether their children
are growing and developing like other children. Sometimes teachers cannot
answer those questions families may ask. However we can refer them to Early On
for early intervention and to answer their questions. United way and Child Care
Network work to help families and children throughout Michigan by providing
needed resources and services and finding quality child care.
Early On
(Michigan) is the system of early intervention services for infants and
toddlers, birth to three years of age, with developmental delays and/or
disabilities. Early On supports families as their children learn and
grow (Early On, n. d). No job posting at
present however, their program would be beneficial to me because they can be
resources for the families in our program whose young children (not school aged)
have developmental delays. These same children would become part of our program
in years to come.
United Way: As
communities of practice United Way believe that when families are stable, when
children succeed, when individuals stay healthy, our community is stronger.
That’s why United Way focuses on income, education and health — the foundation
of stable families. UNITED WAY brings together leaders from government,
corporations, human service providers and the community to develop innovative solutions
to local issues. They leverage funding for the network of programs that -
together - can make a meaningful, measurable difference (United Way, n. d.). No
job opportunities available but I would appreciate working for with this
organization to help organize fund raising activities in support of children
and families.
Child Care Network/Washtenaw Regional 4C is dedicated to working with
communities to develop quality care for children that is safe, accessible and affordable. CCN has
been providing services to families and early childhood professionals since 1977 (CCN, n. d.) Job opportunities are not listed but working
with such organization would fit into my profession helping families find
quality child care, providing resources and education about how to choose
quality care, and assisting low-income families with cost of care, and
advocating on issues affecting children’s well being. . Early childhood
professionals would benefit as well because CCN provide training, and support
to them (CNN, n. d.).
The skills and experiences needed to fulfill job requirements /roles in the above mentioned COP include; communication, collaboration, knowledge on issues affecting children and families, knowledge of ‘who does what’ and people relationships in relation to the issue and cultural competency. We need to have a passion about making a difference in relation to the topic and issues. In addition, we need the ability to think creatively, and to work with complex interpersonal dynamics (Wolf, & Hart, 2006).
References
Child Care Network, (n. d.) Retrieved from http://www.childcarenetwork.org
Early On, (n.d.) Retrieved from http://1800earlyon.org/
United Way, (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.uwwashtenaw.org/aboutus/mission.asp
Hart, A., & Wolff, D. (2006). Developing communities of practice through community-university
partnerships: Planning, Practice and Research 21(1) 121-138
Teresa,
ReplyDeleteI am always drawn to programs that support individuals and families of speacial needs. Since this is primarily my area of preofessional experience. I also found a national progam (Easter Seals)that I beleive does excellent work with this population of people. I would like to continue to work with people with disabilities and tie this in to the educational field
Theresa,
ReplyDeleteYou chose some interesting organizations that benefits children and families. Especially, Early On, this local organziation support families as their children learn and grow. This is benefical to the parents and educators. United Way is another wonderful organizations focus on families and children by keeping the foundation of families stable. This is good to know. Although these organizations did not have any job listings, they are good resources to know about while working in the early childhood field.
Theresa,
ReplyDeleteVery interesting Theresa that you all have Child Care Network. We also have one here in Georgia who assistant families with resources. However, this organization also provides training and resources for early childhood providers and educators.
Theresa,
ReplyDeleteYou have chosen some great organizations. Early On is the biggest early intervention/referral services in Michigan. United Way funds so many programs. I really have great admiration for the work Early On does.
You know Theresa In my case and because Memphis and the state of Tennessee early childhood opportunities is rare so the information you shared has just further informed me that there are great opportunities out there that are very beneficial to the field. I know I don't mind relocating or anything so I am now receiving further confirmation on my future.
ReplyDelete