Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels
As I live in Virginia, where there are several local and state organizations or communities of practice that dedicate to the early childhood field and support their development and wellbeing. I have selected three organizations that appeal to me:
1. City of Virginia Beach: Early Intervention/Infant Program
https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/human-services/developmental-services/Pages/infant-program.aspx
The reason why I selected this one is that the program serves children from birth to age three who have developmental delays, atypical behavior, and/or a disabling condition that is likely to result in a delay. An eligibility team will review children referred to determine whether or not they are eligible for services. Eligible children will receive a full developmental assessment prior to beginning services. Services available to eligible children and families include but are not limited to, service coordination, speech, physical, and/or occupational therapy and educational services. The program also offers center-based classes and community-based group activities for children.
2. Virginia Alliance for Family Child Care Associations
https://www.vafcca.net/
the Alliance recognizes and supports the tireless outcry against generations of systematic racism that has resulted in the unjust treatment of people of color. Moreover, The Alliance promotes quality child care through conference training, sharing of educational resources, collaboration with our local associations, working with the child care industry, and advocacy efforts.
3. Child Care Aware of Virginia
https://vachildcare.com/
Child Care Aware of Virginia delivers services to families, child care professionals, and communities to increase the accessibility, availability, and quality of child care in Virginia. Whether you’re looking for child care, growing your child care business, or simply need more information, they are your most trusted child care resource. I like the blog that they provide knowledge, tips, and resources for families to expand their knowledge in early childhood education. https://vachildcare.com/category/blog/
Job opportunities
1. Activity Center Leader, City of Virginia Beach
Minimum Requirements: Must be at least 21 years old: possess a high school diploma or GED and three years programmatic experience in group care of children/youth that was obtained after the age of 16; or advance studies such as 48 semester hours of college credit and 6 months programmatic experience in group care of children/youth in areas such as teacher substitute, coach, recreation program leader, scout leader, child care center provider, either in a paid or volunteer capacity or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. At programs providing direct childcare, convictions of any barrier crime set forth in Virginia Code ? 63.2- 1719 shall be an automatic disqualification for employment in this position. Some positions may require a current and valid Virginia or North Carolina driver's license in accordance with Virginia or North Carolina DMV driver's license eligibility requirements.
2. Training Specialist VB Early Intervention
Qualifications: Successful completion of an undergraduate degree that included or was supplemented by major study (at least 24 semester hours) in child development or early childhood education, or other fields appropriate to the position to be filled consistent with:
Combination of education and experience as follows: Successful completion of at least 24 semester hours in a major course of study in an appropriate field commensurate with the program assigned as indicated above, plus appropriate work experience that provided knowledge skills and abilities directly related to the duties described in the fields appropriate to the position. Appropriate experience and course work must be comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the four-year course of study described above.
Hi Sawin
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading you post. Thank you for sharing local and state communities of practices and organizations that are in your area. The City of Virginia Beach’s Early Intervention program stood out to me most. I think it is awesome that they work within the community to offer community-based activities and programs for young students with disabilities. In my opinion, it is extremely important to put effective interventions in place at an early age because it aids in learners being able to participate and socialize within the community and at school. I was affiliated with a program, a couple of years ago, that offered teachers an opportunity to bring their students and families to different events and places in the community that helped them access resources and participate in community events. The parents that attended the community days really enjoyed it and it was nice to also see families bonding with each other and building their own relationships. I look forward to sharing further with you throughout this course and good luck with the job opportunities!
Andrea
You are well informed and full of passion, in your role as an early childhood professional. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. The early childhood field is lucky to have you.
ReplyDeleteHey Sawin,
ReplyDeleteThe position at the VA alliance sounds really good. It directly aligns with what we have been educated to do. Hmm? Could a move to VA be possible? Any way! WooHoo we made it!
Hello Sawin,
ReplyDeleteThe position for the Early Intervention/Infant Program is so beneficial for young children with disabilities and developmental delays. I was an Early Interventionist for a little over a year and I really enjoyed seeing children meet their developmental milestones. Working with those children and families really gave me a better understanding of how vital it is for children with disabilities to have all the resources they need to thrive. I believe the training specialist would be a great position for you as well. Thanks for sharing.
Arianna Holoman