Local and State Organizations and Communities of Practice

Local and state organizations or communities of practice that appeal to me:

1. The Virginia Infant and Toddler Specialist Network. I think of myself as a growing and continually learning infant specialist. Through the last five years I have become accustomed to building relationships and connections with the very young children in my care, their immediate and extended families, and the other infant teachers in our center. I also embrace consistent practices of observation and provocations in order to foster the physical, mental, and cognitive growth and well-being of infants and toddlers based on their interests and individual needs. This network will support me in my work as an infant toddler teacher and connect me to a larger community of practice.

Job opportunity available through this organization that interests me:

Infant Toddler Specialist

Requirements for position: Bachelors Degree in ECE; Preferred Master’s in ECE or related fields.

Experience and skills needed include: Demonstrated work experience providing training and technical assistance to infant and toddler center-based and family child care programs. Demonstrated knowledge of infant and toddler development or experience with childcare or other early care settings. Considerable knowledge of child growth and development, including planning and implementing developmentally appropriate early care and education programs for infants and toddlers. Competent use of computer technology and software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, as well as other equipment such as cell phone, digital camera, video recorder and projector. Excellent planning, organizational, and time management skills. Ability to manage own time, set priorities, work without direct supervision and contribute to team atmosphere. Ability to design, create and format early childhood curriculum for a child care audience and provide services that are culturally competent for the needs of the target audience. Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to build positive working relationships with key community and grant partners. Working knowledge of state licensing regulations for center-based child care and family child care environments. Must hold a valid driver’s license and be able to travel statewide, including overnight travel.

2. Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia. This government agency works specifically to provide services and supports to infants and toddlers through age two who need early intervention due to signs of developmental delay. I am extremely interested in following and supporting the growth and development of infants, especially, and doing what I can to provide the structure and support in their everyday lives to bring that about.

Job opportunity available through this organization that interests me:

Parent-Infant and Outreach Services Coordinator

Position at The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind in Staunton, Virginia to provide unbiased information, assessment, support, non-therapeutic counseling, and early intervention services to families, and to work collaboratively as a resource for early intervention agencies, health care providers, and school systems serving children who are deaf or hard-of hearing, blind or low vision, or deaf-blind. Minimum Qualifications: • Masters Degree from an accredited college or university in Speech-Language Pathology, Early Intervention, Early Childhood Development, Deaf Education, Early Childhood Special Education or other related field • Hold or be eligible for a valid Virginia license issued by the Board of Education with an endorsement in field of expertise and/or the Virginia Department of Health Professionals in field of expertise (licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist is preferred) • Complete and hold certification as an Early Intervention Professional through the Infant Toddler Connection of Virginia (candidates without this certification may be considered, but must acquire the certification within 30 days of employment) • Knowledge of child growth and development, and special needs of children with sensory impairments and other disabilities

3. CHAT (Church Hill Activities and Tutoring)  This organization is local to me.  “It is faith-based community of Church Hill (Richmond, VA) neighbors and friends who share a passionate belief in the power of fellowship to transform communities. CHAT invests in the lives of our city’s most at-risk children, in one of the most unique and troubled neighborhoods in America. A stone’s throw from Mr. Jefferson’s iconic State Capitol, and on the same hallowed ground where Virginia’s first governor, Patrick Henry, demanded freedom from oppression, we come together to equip and serve a community now in dire need of a resurrection.

It’s our belief that by establishing strong connections through one-on-one tutoring, mentorship, enrichment activities and immersion in a supportive and nurturing community, we can teach skills and values and see our neighborhood youth empowered,” (CHAT, 2014). 

There was not a specific job opportunity that interested me because most of the positions were things like principle, counselor, or teacher (older children).  However, I did find interest in their volunteer opportunities.  There were many volunteer opportunities in their Tiny Tykes preschool program, an age group that is more appealing to me than school-age.  There was also the opportunity to participate in a one-day Service Group. You can arrange for your church or civic group to learn about issues, tour the tutoring sites, meet participants and serve the community of Church Hill. This would allow the chance to bring a group of people to make a difference in my community. 

References:

CHAT (Church Hill Activities and Tutoring) (2014).  Information retrieved from http://www.chatrichmond.org/

Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia (2014). Information retrieved from http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/early_childhood/index.shtml

Virginia Infant and Toddler Specialist Network (2014). Information retrieved from http://www.va-itsnetwork.org/