Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

I have always wanted to make an impact on the lives of children and I feel that the three organizations I choose will give me what I desire.

1) Big brothers Big sisters

• This organization has been around for a long time and it speaks to my heart. They take time for children and make sure they are receiving the best care they need. It's reality at its finest, real people helping children with serious issues in their life or home. People taking time out of their schedule to make a difference in a child's life. They quote, "Each time Big Brothers Big Sisters pairs a child with a role model, we start something incredible: a one-to-one relationship built on trust and friendship that can blossom into a future of unlimited potential" (bbbs, 2014). They have amazing results:
• 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
• 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
• 52% less likely to skip school
• 37% less likely to skip a class
• 33% less likely to hit someone (bbbs, 2014). This is a huge deal, especially with today's youth,

there has been too much killing in schools.
2) Reno bike project

• This organization is different from what most would pick, I chose this organization because it gives children a chance to learn respect and self worth. It also gives the importance of giving to others and being healthy. This is their mission, "Reno Bike Project (RBP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community bicycle shop and advocacy group committed to creating a nationally recognized, cycling-friendly community through advocacy, education, and cooperation in the Truckee Meadows" (renobikeproject, 2010). I like how they are showing children the importance being safe and giving them something to do besides stay in and play video games.

3) Every Child Matters Education Fund

• This organization is all about the child and helping the child. It surrounds the basis of it's project around elections and getting campaigns in the ballot that deal with the needs of the child. This project caught my attention with this, "Everyone likes the idea of supporting children in our governmental policies, but we need to turn the idea--and the strong public compassion for children--into political action.  Why?  Young people and struggling families don't have a lobby, and the issues affecting them typically are pushed aside by more powerful and vocal interests" (everychildmatters, n.d.). Enough said, let's make children the #1 priority in America, they are being kidnapped and dying everyday day.

I picked three jobs that were of interest:

1. Literacy Coordinator: I like a challenge sometimes and I think this job will definitely give me that challenge. Here are some of the duties, "This position will work with students in grades K-16, 4-H programs, FFA Career Development, post secondary agriculture education programs, the Agriculture Industry Sector Council, USDA Ag Literacy/Ag in the Classroom, and agriculture trade organizations to promote an agriculture education curriculum that focuses on agricultural/agribusiness classroom education, career exploration/development and premier leadership training; and help ensure a knowledgeable and motivated workforce is in existence for the Nevada agricultural industry" (statenvus, 2002-03). That seems like a lot, but like I said I like a challenge every now and then. The only down fall is I have to have a degree in Agriculture education, but the job sounded good.
2. Treatment Home Provider: This job requires care and treatment to children as well as adolescents in a 24 hour, 7 days a week facility. I have done something similar to this in 2002 in California and 2003 in Oklahoma City. They only thing different is that I worked with children and not adolescents. It requires a B.A. in child development, social work, or a related field (statenvus, 2002-03) which I have a B.A. in psychology, which was also listed.
3. Education Programs Professional: This position sounds like it would be a lot of work as well; however, the difference is there is no agriculture involved. Here is a little about the position, "
   Education Programs Professionals assist and foster the growth of K-12, postsecondary, and related education programs throughout Nevada by providing technical assistance, training, and oversight. This position will oversee the development and implementation of newly state-funded programs designed to support ELL students in reaching targeted performance outcomes" (statenvus, 2002-03). The job also requires a Doctorate and having worked with children with English Language Learning.

References

 

Big brother Big sister. (2014). Start something for a Child. Retrieved from http://www.bbbs.org/site/c.9iILI3NGKhK6F/b.5962335/k.BE16/Home.htm

 

Reno bike project. (2010). Reno Bike Project: a community bike shop. Retrieved from http://www.renobikeproject.com/

 

Every child matters. (n.d.). Every Child Matters Education Fund. Retrieved from http://www.everychildmatters.org/state-campaigns/nevada/community-organizations

 

State-NV-us. (2002-2003). State of Nevada Announces an Open Competitive Recruitment for: Literacy coordinator. Retrieved from https://nvapps.state.nv.us/NEATS/Recruiting/ViewAnnouncement.aep?recruitmentId=20256

 

State-NV-us. (2002-2003). State of Nevada Announces an Open Competitive Recruitment for: Treatment Home Provider. Retrieved from https://nvapps.state.nv.us/NEATS/Recruiting/ViewAnnouncement.aep?recruitmentId=20972

 

State-NV-us. (2002-2003). State of Nevada Announces an Open Competitive Recruitment for: Education Programs Professional. Retrieved from https://nvapps.state.nv.us/NEATS/Recruiting/ViewAnnouncement.aep?recruitmentId=20956