Saturday, May 18, 2013

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels


The first organization that appealed to me was the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children (MiAEYC).  This agency is committed to improving the education and welfare of children from birth through age eight.  MiAEYC has a couple of local chapters in my area.  According to the website, MiAEYC works for young children, their families, and early childhood professionals. MiAEYC supports the professional development of its members through quality training, materials and services. More than 2,800 early childhood educators and suppliers of children's services belong to MiAEYC in 17 affiliate chapters and 3 local chapters. 

This organization had a couple of job opportunities including:  director of communications and chapter support and a fiscal/administrative assistant position.  Currently I am not qualified for either of these positions and I would also not be interested in either of them as well.  They also listed other job opportunities within the state. 

The second organization was the local Great Start organization; the Barry County Great Start Collaborative which is a partnership of community agencies and early childhood providers who get together to establish and maintain a network of supports and services for young children and families.  They work to engage community partners in planning and coordinating services, promote community awareness of early childhood issues, and advocate for quality early childhood programs and services. 

There were no job opportunities listed on this sight, but there is contact information for the existing members to contact about events or possibly becoming a member. 

The third agency I looked into was my local Department of Human Services.  This is our state agency that works to help families with food, child care, medical, and much more.  I had not considered this as someplace that I would like to work, but when I think about helping children and families I was drawn to this site.  I have been on the other side of the desk asking for help and being treated poorly, I would like to sit on the other side and treat families with respect. 

There were two openings that were in my area, Assistance Payments Worker 8-E10 Mid-Michigan Counties which requires a two year degree and which I could possibly qualify for and Service Specialist 9-P11 Mid-Michigan Counties, my bachelor degree would give me the education; I just lack the experience they are looking for with this position. 

Another consideration I have would be to become a licensing consultant for child care in my state.  There are currently no positions, but it is something I may consider in my future.