Exploring Roles in the ECE Community

I have already had wonderful opportunities to serve varied roles in the field of early childhood. In each of these roles I gained new perspectives and was able to advocate for children and families in different ways. This week I have taken yet another look into other roles and positions in which I can leverage what I have learned in the past to create brighter and positive outcomes for children and families. 

Three local and state organizations I would love to engage with include the local Family Service Association, National Children’s Alliance, and Strengthening Families. These organizations operate with children and families at the core. Due to my appeal to engage families in the education process and journey I am pulled to the Family Service Association and Strengthening Families. The Family Service Association offers many services and programs to enrich the family network. The Child Care Resource and Referral in Cincinnati, Ohio coordinates a Strengthening Families project that has reduced the numbers of child abuse cases in specific neighborhoods over the past 2-3 years. I would love to replicate this program in my region. Children are the most fragile citizens, National Children’s Alliance works to empower and protect them. Through researching these organizations and learning what they do, I am inspired to do more every day to help children and families live safe, and successful lives.

Three jobs that I am interested in adding to my resume and experience are a Help Me Grow Coordinator, family advocate, and adjunct college professor. My master’s degree in the Early Childhood Studies will provide a strong education base for any of these positions. My work as a Human Services Administration scholar would be utilized as a family advocate. The experience I have teaching professional development workshops to early childhood professionals has served as widespread practice and application for me over the last 10 years. The education I would need to obtain to be a Help Me Grow Coordinator is some additional education courses on special needs and early intervention. While I have 20 years in the field, I have not had much experience working with children and families when developmental delays are a factor. Working in these three positions would provide a well-rounded aspect to my career.

References:

Family Service Association. http://www.fsadayton.org/.

National Children’s Alliance. http://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/index.php?s=58&state=ohio.

Strengthening Families. http://www.strengtheningfamiliesprogram.org/