EXPLORING ROLES IN THE ECE COMMUNITY: LOCAL & STATE LEVELS

This week as we are learning about Communities of Practice, I am amazed at all the centers and organizations that are available to support children and families in my city and around my state.   However, many families are not aware of the resources that are available to them.  For this reason, it is very important that educators/child care providers learn about the resources that are available locally and state wide that offer services to children and families in need.  I chose to learn about the following organizations because of their commitment to working with young children and their ability to promote social and emotional stability.

          1.      “WINGS for Kids”:  This is an education program located in Charleston,

South Carolina that teaches kids how to behave well, make good decisions, and build healthy relationships.  Ginny Deerin started it in 1996.  It is the only US organization focused solely on developing and improving social and emotional intelligence within an after school program.  WINGS for Kids services are housed at four local elementary schools.  Students must attend for 15 hours per week (3 hours at day after school between 2:30 and 6:00pm).  Students are selected based on greatest need first.  They are chosen based on behavior, academics, and family support.  Other children are then accepted on a first come, first serve basis.  Program directors and volunteers are extensively trained and maintain a 1 to 10-12 ration with children.  There is a 97% staff retention rate, which helps to build stabilizing relationships.  The job opportunity that interests me was the position as Program Director.  The bios of the current Directors were varied, all had undergraduate degrees and some had Master Degrees.  Experiences ranged from former teachers, community service workers, to those in the business or communication fields.  The one thing that they all had in common was their love for children and their commitment to helping build-nurturing relationships that instill positive values.

2.      “Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Carolina Youth Development Center”:

They operate in the tri-county area of Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties in South Carolina.  These mentors work with children in their schools and the community.  They work with children ages 6-16.  You may become a mentor to a child and volunteer a couple of hours, several times a month.  This also interests me because becoming a part of this Community of Practice does not require you to change your current career.  The children you work with are exposed to the things that you like to do...sports, reading, nature activities, etc.  Qualifications to becoming a mentor include a willingness to share time and love with a child who needs a good role model.  To get started you must provide references; go through an in-person interview and background check.  Another reason I chose this organization is because my religious affiliation has a connection through its general board of commission.

3.      “Little Steps”:  This program was organized in 2004 by Many Black. 

Its goal is to help teen mothers overcome their obstacles by becoming stable parents in their communities.  Many children enter school without the guidance and support they need from home because of young inexperienced parents.  This program serves as a means of support for both young mothers and fathers who can both be a part of the program.  Their services include classes, peer groups, and one-on-one mentoring. Women and men between the ages of 14 to 24 can benefit from these services.  There are volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups.  Positions include becoming a class facilitator, mentor, front office help personnel, or a member of their board of directors.  This program serves the county of Greenville, South Carolina.  I was drawn to this program because it helps both the mother and the father of young children.  Monetary donations are accepted throughout South Carolina.  Infant/toddler items may be donated to their children’s boutique where parents can purchase items using bucks that they have earned through the program.  My interest included finding out more about the program to see if there is such a program in my city of Charleston.  If one exists, I would like to become a class facilitator or Mentor.  This position includes teaching a class one night a week for eight weeks.  Mentors are also used as a one-on-one contact or in a peer group to provide moral support.  Training and supervision is utilized for all positions.

References:

www.wingsforkids.org

www.becomeabig.org

www.littlestepssc.org