Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

The first organization that I found interesting is Kentucky Communities Economic Opportunities Council (KCEOC).  It is a federally funded community based program that serves 6 counties in Southeastern Kentucky.  KCEOC operates both Head Start and Early Head Start in both classroom and home-based settings with children from 6 weeks to 5 years old as well as working with pregnant women.  KCEOC offers comprehensive services to families while working in conjunction with local Community Action Agencies and other service providers to ensure children and their families receive needed resources to enhance the own lives as well as improving communities.  This is accomplished by providing opportunities for needed change for those in poverty through offering safe and affordable housing, energy assistance, mentoring, and services for English language learners.  KCEOC offers computer and job skills training, work experience in a job that prepares those in need with knowledge and skills, and GED preparation in order that low-income individuals can become more self-sufficient through gainful employment.  KCEOC has served thousands of area residents for 50 years.                                                

The second organization that I am interested in is Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) in Child Protection.  This agency “administers child protection and permanency and family support programs including adoption, child abuse, child care, child support, SNAP food benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps) and foster care” (Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, 2014, para. 5).                                

The third is Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) which is a non-profit organization that advocates nationwide for policies on behalf of children in poverty and those that are abused and neglected.  CDF strives for “access to health care, quality education and a moral and spiritual foundation for all children” (Children’s Defense Fund, 2012, para. 1). CDF’s mission is to ensure all children have a good start in life with the help of families and their communities.                                                                                  

The first job opportunity that appeals to me is a Child Development Specialist that works with children and assist teachers and families by overseeing therapy and behavior modification techniques to improve children’s skills. A Bachelor’s Degree is required in child psychology or a related field.  I would enjoy the one-on-one and close connections of working with the children and parents.  I also find working with the DCBS and providing protective services for abused and neglected children interesting.  It requires a Bachelor’s in Social Work or related field with children.  I believe this would be heart-wrenching but very rewarding in regards to helping children out of bad situations.                                                                                                         

The third is an internship in human resources with the Children’s Defense Fund.  “CDF has combined advocacy, public education, policy development, leadership training and other efforts to protect children and encourage preventive investment in children before they get sick, drop out of school, suffer family breakdown, or get into trouble” (Children’s Defense Fund, 2012, para. 1).  It is a very selective process with only 70 positions out of hundreds of applications.  The more education and credentials the greater opportunity of receiving an internship.  This would be my dream position as it would teach me to be an effective advocate for children’s issues and concerns and make invaluable connections to better serve the children and families in our area.  I believe in the mission and vision of the Children’s Defense Fund.    

References

Children’s Defense Fund. (2012). About us. Retrieved from http://www.childrensdefense.org/about-us/

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. (2014). CHFS agencies. Retrieved from http://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/

Kentucky Communities Economic Opportunities Council. (2014). About us. Retrieved from http://www.kceoc.com/index.php/en/about-us