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.
Hello Jodi,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate what you shared in regards to a possible career with your local Department of Human Services. Your statement, "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" really hit home for me. I have been through tough times and have also been treated poorly when dealing with local and state organizations. I feel those of us who have been there understand the level of need and the amount of pride swallowing it sometimes takes to ask for assistance. Then, to be treated poorly when you arrive is just terrible. I feel those of us who have been there make the best type of employee there is!
Thanks for sharing!
Sarah
Hi Jodi,
ReplyDeleteI have considered looking into a position at Community Care Licensing office as well. I know that I could do the job and that I am qualified for it but I have seen how much paper work goes into it. Since the State has cut funds the Licensing agent has a lot of work to do. I have a good relationship with our licensing agent and she is very good at what she does but I see that she is having to follow a lot of rules and regulations that do not always make sense. She always tells me to call her first if I have any questions because she knows that the regulations can be hard to understand and it usually comes down to how it is interpreted by the licensing agent. She can recall by memory the regulations and the number it is in the book. I appreciate her dedication to the health and safety issues in behalf of children and families. It is definitely a job that you could do with the ECE Masters degree you are getting.
Hi Jodi,
ReplyDeleteI am from Muskegon County, MI and also was interested in becoming a licensing consultant throught the State of Michigan. I have a manager who left a licensing consultant position to return to foster care as a supervisor. I would have really liked to find information on becoming a licensing consultant within our state and the job duties. How is Barry County?
Sorry to hear that your experience was not so pleasant with your county workers. I have also been on both sides and I am empathatic to your situation.
If you have any questions about being a services specialist feel free to ask. I have been a services specialist for three and a half years.
Anetria