Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

 Three local or state organizations that appealed to my interest of creating awareness of affordable early childhood education are Communities in Schools (CIS), The Lift Up Through Literacy Program, The Great Start Readiness Program, and Kalamazoo County Ready 4s. These four organizations are in support of affordable quality early childhood education. I chose these four organizations because each organization could potentially provide knowledge, support, as well as encouragement of my journey to make affordable high-quality early childhood education to all. As I grow as an anti-bias educator and continue to advocate for the rights of children I am looking to expand my knowledge base outside of the school system. Winer and Ray (1994) “view collaboration through the metaphor of a journey, that is, a destination toward which travelers move together on a road they build” (p. 26). These organizations share a common vision, to provide young children with the skills necessary to be successful in both school and life. These organizations could be the travelers that may aide in my journey to the destination.

The following links are the websites for the four organizations previously discussed:

http://www.communitiesinschools.org/

Local Website: http://www.kcis.us/

http://www.kcready4s.org/

http://michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-63533_50451---,00.html

http://www.kalamazoopublicschools.com/news/linden-grove-middle-school/2012-01/new-lift-through-literacy-program-begins-january

The job opportunities that exist within these organizations that are of interest to me are as follows:

• Great Start Readiness Program Preschool Teacher
  • The skills and experience needed to competently fulfill each of this role:
    • A Bachelor’s degree or higher, from an accredited institution, in child development, Elementary Education or related field.
    • At least one year of teaching experience is strongly preferred.
    • Physical and mental stamina; including repeated lifting (30 lbs or more), ability to move quickly from sitting on the floor to standing position repeatedly, and the ability to run if needed.
    • Knowledge of teaching and activity methods used with infant, toddler, preschool or early elementary school-age children and principles of child development, the behavior of young children, positive discipline and redirection techniques.
    • Knowledge of materials and equipment used in group settings of young children.
    • A philosophy of early childhood education that is compatible with the center’s.
    • Ability to establish warm supportive relationships with the children, recognize illness symptoms, accept and profit from supervision and constructive criticism, develop and maintain working relationships with parents and staff, and thrive in a team-oriented environment.
    • Experience with planning lessons and activities that support an emergent learning environment.
    • Basic computer skills including ability to access the internet for research, send and receive emails, and experience using Microsoft Office to create documents.
    • Ability to lead and supervise support staff members.

• KC Ready 4s: Montessori EC Teacher
  • The skills and experience needed to competently fulfill each of this role:

Minimum Qualifications:

• 1. BS or BA degree
• 2. Valid Michigan elementary teaching certificate
• 3. American Montessori Society EC credential
• 4. Possess technology skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1. Successful experience working with a diverse population in an urban setting
• 2. Successful classroom teaching experience
• Site Coordinator for Communities in Schools
  • The skills and experience needed to competently fulfill each of this role:
    • Bachelor’s degree or demonstrated relevant equivalent experience working in education, social work or other related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
    • Must have a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance.
    • Experience in managing operations within a network of diverse programmatic initiatives, preferably in the field of youth development or at a K-12 educational organization is preferred.
    • Experience in working with school-age children and familiarity with local health and human service agencies.

References:

Winer, M., & Ray, K. (1994). Collaboration handbook: Creating, sustaining, and enjoying the journey. St. Paul, MN: Fieldstone Alliance.