One organization that I found is the Newhouse organization. This is a school that they have started within a domestic violence shelter. They have hired a teacher that is Special Education Certified, and they stick to the local school district requirements. They are actually a part of the Kansas City Public School System and work side-by-side with them, so that the students within the shelter are receiving the best educational opportunities available to them. In order to become a volunteer at Newhouse, you must be at least 18 years of age, pass a background check, and attend an orientation/training.
Project Eagle Community Programs "mission is to nurture the healthy growth and development of the community's most vulnerable young children and families by providing a foundation for school readiness and strengthening family engagement" http://www.projecteagle.org/. They have Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms set up around the Kansas City area. They currently have an opening for a Lead Teacher job requirements are: a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development. Classroom experience with older toddlers and preschoolers. Ability to establish trusting relationships with young children. Ability to communicate effectively and establish partnerships with other classroom teachers, center staff, community partners, and parents. Willingness to work in a highly collaborative environment. Desire for continued professional growth. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Basic computer skills. Ability to individualize care based on individual children's needs (medical, educational, family situations). Ability to become CPR and First Aid Certified within 30 days of employment.
The Family Conservancy has different information on how to help families, child care centers, and children that are homeless. Their mission statement is "helping children and families achieve a lifetime of success" http://www.thefamilyconservancy.org/about-us/overview. They have online resources that are available, as well as classes that are offered within their center. They currently have job openings for: Practitioner II, Head Start Fiscal Coordinator, Head Start Mental Health Specialist, Part Time Child Care Teacher, and a Part Time Practitioner II. The requirements for the Practitioner II: Master's degree in Social Work, or related field required. Three years prior relevant working experience and expertise in serving young children and their families required. Written and verbal communication skills required to interact with health professionals, vendors, and agencies in a professional manner, developing rapport and enhancing business relationships required. Working knowledge of community resources required.
www.healthychildren.org is not a local agency but an online resource that has valuable information for parents, regarding their children. They offer news, tips and tricks, medical advice, and so much more.
All of these organizations are looking out for families that could be going through a hardship, and have opportunities available to them. There are a variety of resources that each one offers, that can help a variety of people looking for assistance.
Jessica, I appreciate your post on local resources for children and families. With recent federal grant opportunities directed toward expanding Early Head Start and Head Start programs, especially with regard to collaborations, there will be many employment options for practitioners in the early care and education field. I am a huge fan of the resources available at the National Center on Quality Teaching and Learning. This community of practice has excellent resources for teacher development and guides for effective practice for early childhood practitioners.
ReplyDeleteDear Jessica,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! You chose to share some interesting organizations. I really liked learning about Newhouse. I love when organizations truly care and put their all into making sure children get the best. I like how they make sure the children receive a good education while receiving their help. Thanks for sharing!
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. It is very interesting to see all of the various programs and how they are structured and what is required to work for these agencies. I really like how the Newhouse collaborates with the school district.
Jessica, Thanks for your post. You have some great organizations that you chose. I really like the first one that you talk about the Newhouse Organization that was started within a domestic violence shelter. This is a great example where no child is getting left behind even due to their living circumstances. Also the organization that help families that are in hardship are the ones that I am most interested in and want to be involved in. Thanks!- Brittany
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