January 15, 2014
Communities of Practice (CoP) in Arizona
Early Childhood Development
*Arizona Department of Education- Early Childhood Education Unit-(http://www.azed.gov/early-childhood/)
The ECE unit administers the Head Start State Collaboration grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services to establish linkages among Head Start, childcare, social welfare, health and state funded preschool programs, and K-12 Education (AZ Depart. of Education).
This state organization appeals to me because it is jam packed with resources regarding early childhood education. Their website has information regarding the latest developments in early childhood education regarding funding, childcare, policies, licensing and etc.
If I cannot find what I am looking for on the website, it is easy to send them an email or call them. In the past when I have made personal contact with this organizations, they were helpful and informative. My questions have always been answered.
*Alliance For Early Success- Arizona Division- (http://earlysuccess.org/partnerships/state-partners)
The Alliance For Early Success works with states across the country to advance state policies in health, family support and learning (Alliance For Early Success). Southwest Human Devleopment is Arizona's largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development. Arizona Alliance is the voice for children at the state and national level regarding issues such as health, child welfare, education and security. The following are just a few of the projects Arizona Alliance is actively collaborating with:
*Restoration of general fund match to the child care subsidy sytem
*Connecting early childhood to "Move On When Reading" early intervention program implemented by the Department of Education
*Collaborating on BUILD AZ to expand access to preschool, full-day kindergarten and home visits.
BUILD AZ-http://www.buildinitiative.org/OurWork/StateandLocal/BUILDStates/Arizona.aspx
BUILD is a CoP made up of public and private sector early childhood leaders, government agencies, businesses and child care communities. The Steering Committee focuses on: Communication, Early Learning, Professional Development, Health and Early Grade Success.
The overall goal of BUILD is to reframe early care and education to birth through age 8 as a critical component of the education component and policy framework.
I chose all three of these state organizations and/or communities because they appealed to my belief that policies and support in the Arizona Education system should begin at birth and move forward. Early success in preschool, creates learners that are prepared and ready to succeed in school and beyond.
Job Opportunities that are currently available and interest me:
1.Faculty Early Childhood Education- Rio Salado Community College
Salary-$44,012.00-$84,813.00
Location: Rio Salado Community College
Department-Instruction
Hours: Mon-Fri- 30 hours varied
Coordinates course/curriculum/program development and manages a large number of adjunct faculty and college supervisors. Provides leadership for Early Childhood and Human Development training, observation/evaluation and mentoring. Reviews and revises curriculum in the Early Childhood and Human Development disciplines, Serves on collaborative work teams with faculty, staff, administration and community stakeholders.
Skills and experiences needed-Graduate degree in Early Childhood Educaiton, experience in infant/toddler through age 8 settings, experience developing and teaching online post-secondary courses, experience managing, training and mentoring faculty, leadership experiences, demonstrated expertise in curriculum development, teaching and program supervision with fields of early childhood education or a related field.
2.Social Services Manager (CPS-Child Protective Services)- Pinal County
Salary-$55,704.00-$76,594.00
Location-Salt River Indian Community
Department-Supervisor
Hours: Mon-Fri - (Some on-call evening and weekend hours required)
Supervises and mentors the CPS staff so they attain the technical and customer service skills along with experience necessary to perform independently and attain further career progression goals. Provides leadership, training and assigns, coordinates, schedules then reviews staff workflow. Provides training and assistance as needed. Prepares draft EPARs for assigned staff that are reviewed and given approval by the Social Services Department Director. Develops the program's budget requests and financial plans to monitor and maintain operating budget for assigned programs and services.
Skills and experiences needed-Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Early Childhood, Public Administration, Sociology or closely related field and five years full-time professional level experience in a social work setting, or supervisory or administrative capacity with professional level staff.
3.Case Manager (DD Specialist)- Tucson, Arizona
Salary-Salary Commensurate with experience. Excellent Benefits package.
Location- Tucson, AZ
Department-Supervisor under the direction of the CRS/SS Director
Hours: M-F 8:00-5:00
Responsible for a case management load consisting of children receiving services through Pantano and the Department of Developmental Disabilities. This position may assist the nurses and psychiatrists with assuring that the clients medial records are up to date and meeting standards. The Case Manager will have contact with clients and families, will respond to clients concerns or crises, and will coordinate delivery of services as required. Conduct home visits, if necessary, and obtain information or gather documentation from clients.
Skills and experiences needed-Master of Science in behavioral health, early childhood development or closely related field and two year experiences in behavioral health field. Must have good verbal and interpersonal skills to interact with clients, visitor, and coworkers. Must have excellent record-keeping skills, be able to multi-task and capable of independent functioning.
All three of these positions appeal to me because they are positions where I can help make a differences in young people's lives. In addition, I am a person that enjoys challenging jobs that demand independence and large amounts of interaction with others. The salary and benefits are good for too.
The
Alliance works with states across the country to advance state policies
in health, family support and learning. Alliance support includes:
funding, technical assistance from national experts, and convenings to
promote partnerships and the exchange of good ideas. Click on an
Alliance State Partner to see who our partners are and a summary of
their work. - See more at:
http://earlysuccess.org/partnerships/state-partners#sthash.XraNKvaC.dpuf
The
Alliance works with states across the country to advance state policies
in health, family support and learning. Alliance support includes:
funding, technical assistance from national experts, and convenings to
promote partnerships and the exchange of good ideas. Click on an
Alliance State Partner to see who our partners are and a summary of
their work. - See more at:
http://earlysuccess.org/partnerships/state-partners#sthash.XraNKvaC.dpuf
