The first community of practice organization I chose is the Early Learning Network which is a forum dialogue among local birth through 5 program leaders to exchange ideas and information, engage in shared problem solving, and to post locally developed resources and other. I chose this particular COP due to the exclusive dialogue that occurs in their forum with other early child hood professionals.
The next organization I chose is the Early Learning Professional Learning Institute, which is a community space available for educators to share thoughts and resources from The Power of Strategic Implementation conferences that occur each year. I thought this COP was very specific, and would be helpful to anyone who was interested in networking with other people who had attended the same conference and wanted to discuss the components of it in greater detail.
The last organization I chose is the Making Access Happen in Harford County MD. This COP is a collaborative professional learning network designed to increase the participation of 3-5 year old children with disabilities in public and private community based early and development programs. I chose this network due to the locality of it within my own school, and their dedication towards enhancing special needs children in early childhood programs.
I found two particular job opportunities that interested me, the first is an opportunity with the head start collaboration through ICF international. This position is responsible for e-wide Quality Rating Systems and State Early Learning Standards and collaboration with ECE entities involved in State and local planning to better meet the needs of low-income children from birth to school entry, and their families. Specialized skills needed to fulfill this job are:
- Master’s Degree in early childhood education, child development or related degree.
- Knowledge of Head Start performance standards and all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.
- Experience with content knowledge related to child care licensing, subsidy administration, Quality Rating and Improvement Systems
The next job is Child Care Specialist in Fairfax VA, this position requires its applicants to
- Have Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, concepts, and methodology of assigned area of accountability;
- Knowledge of county budget/fiscal policies and procedures;
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
- Ability to perform short- and long-range planning and monitor effectiveness of programs;
- Ability to keep current on the latest theories of early childhood development and education
I think that both positions would be a great opportunity to learn many of the skills I've acquired during the course of this degree program.
Hi Ashley
ReplyDeleteI am familiar with the Maryland State Department of Education Early Learning Professional Learning Institute. Each year a conference is held in Ocean City where more than 300 local, state and national leaders & families meet to develop, support and implement programs to produce for children, students and their families.
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteAs a novice in this field, it's great to have a classmate from the same state. The wealth of information on this assignment shows that despite the industry, each profession requires a community of practice that incorporates sharing wealth of knowledge and expertise toward a common shared vision. Both positions seem allow for growth in the areas of accountability, assessment and allocation of resources. Great job!
Hello Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI enjoy learning about the Early Learning Network and what they have to offer on the exchange of ideas and information as well as engaging in problem solving ideas to help improve the field of early learning. I also found the Early Learning Professional Institute interesting in helping with sharing ideas and knowledge in the field to assist each other with increased knowledge while sharing conference experiences. I can appreciate the networking involved.