Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

I chose these organization because they relate to my capstone project and advocate for children with disabilities.

Learning Disabilities Association of America

LDA Visualizes a World in Which:

·         All individuals with learning disabilities are empowered to thrive and participate fully in society

·         The incidence of learning disabilities is reduced

·         And learning disabilities are universally understood and effectively addressed

http://www.ldanatl.org/

National Council on Disabilities:

NCD is a small, independent federal agency charged with advising the President, Congress, and other federal agencies regarding policies, programs, practices, and procedures that affect people with disabilities.

NCD's Mission

NCD's mission is to be a trusted advisor, in collaboration with people with disabilities to:

·         The President

·         The Congress

·         Federal entities

·         State, tribal communities, and local governments; and

·         Other entities and organizations

Current Positions opened in my local area:

Preschool Teacher:

Tammy Lynn Center for Developmental Disabilities offers education, residential and family support services to children and adults with special needs.  The Center's goal is to provide the individuals it serves the opportunity to maximize their abilities in a loving, nurturing environment. We currently have a job opening for a Preschool Teacher available immediately. The responsibilities for the Preschool Teacher listed below are required but not limited to:

• Assessing students using formal and informal evaluations and write formal education/habilitation assessments as required.  
• Develop and implement comprehensive individual education plans for students.  
• Regularly plan, monitor, evaluate and update each student’s individual program.  
• Design an appropriate learning environment in which active treatment is provided to meet the needs of each student.  
• Work in conjunction with the NC Pre-K Coordinator, Wake County Public School Special Education Lead Preschool Case Manager and Day Services Manager in meeting all applicable standards.

PEDIATRICS - DEVELOPMENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL
Location:  Amos Cottage
Full-time Regular, 40 hours/week

Job Summary:  The primary purpose of the position is to directly provide evaluation, service coordination, and related services to families referred to the Children's Developmental Services Agency (CDSA), Department of Pediatrics.

As I have researched inclusion and special education, I have discovered that I need to enhance certain skills. For example, I feel I should take some special education classes or attend more workshops that focus on special education advocacy.

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

I chose these organization because they relate to my capstone project and do wonderful things for the children of North Carolina and children with disabilities.

The Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) brings policy makers, service providers, and parents together. It serves young children with disabilities and developmental delays, and their families. Its members work to ensure that the supports and services offered to families are in line with their needs.

Reference: http://www.beearly.nc.gov/index.php/icc/icc

The Early Intervention Program for Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing provides services to children who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf/blind, ages birth to three, and their families. Concentrating on language and communication skill development, itinerant professionals provide family-centered intervention in home and daycare settings. At age three, the program works to establish a smooth transition to the local education agency.

Reference: http://www.ncoes.net/preschools.shtml

The Early Childhood Community of Practice (COP) provides an opportunity for discussion, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas and resources related to young children between the ages of birth to 8 who have mental health challenges and are currently being served by system of care communities. Through networking opportunities, the system of care communities serving these children will be better able to provide the necessary and desired assistance to children and their families. This is an area of service development that is still emerging, and this peer -to-peer exchange among practitioners has great potential to impact the field. 

Reference: http://www.tapartnership.org/COP/earlyChildhood/default.php