National/ Federal Organizations of Interest

The Search Institute:  http://www.search-insitute.org

The Search Institute is an organization that has pioneered a great deal of research looking into what children need socially and emotionally in order to succeed in life.  They have developed the idea of 40 developmental assets.  These assets are positive qualities and interactions, both internal and external, that have been show to dramatically impact the chances of a child engaging in harmful behaviors as adults.  This particular agency appeals to me because of my strong desire to help children and make a difference in their social/emotional well-being.   I think that it would be most fulfilling to travel around and present workshops to teachers on the importance of these assets and how they can become a force for good in a child’s life.  I also would be interested in being a part of workshops designed for the youth.  Working hands on with these young people and helping them to build a strong foundation of assets for themselves would be very rewarding to me.

To accomplish this, I feel would benefit from more experience in presenting to a large groups.  I would also need to rely heavily on the skills gained from the courses I took that specifically address teaching adults.  Remembering the differences between teaching children and teaching adults would be crucial to my success in delivering these kinds of workshops.      

Washington State Department of Early Learning:  http://www.del.wa.gov

The Department of Early Learning is the organization that oversees every aspect of early childhood care and education in my state.  Licensing, education requirements, training records, health and safety, and The Early Achievers program all fall under the umbrella of the Department of Early Learning.  They are also responsible for providing early intervention programs.  I believe that a number of these programs that have been made available in my state are grossly underused because of the stigmatism attached to them.  I would like to be able to work within the department on creating a more positive public image of special intervention services.  I think the best place to start with this would be a series of public service announcements that could be used throughout the state in various locations.  For example, open-house events at elementary schools, doctor’s offices, childcare centers and early intervention service locations.         

For this undertaking I would need more experience with technology, specifically film design.  As this would be a large undertaking that would require input from several organizations and individuals, I think that teamwork and collaboration skills would be highly valued as well. 

Resources for Infant Educarers:  http://www.rei.org

Resources for Infant Educarers is an organization founded by Magda Gerber and Dr. Tom Forrest, it is  designed to improve the quality of infant care.  This organization is of special interest to me because of my love infants.  I have spent over fifteen years focusing on children birth to three years old and have grown very fond of being a part of the exciting developments children make in their first year.  Resources for Infant Educarers sponsors classes for both parents as well as professionals.  I would love to be able to assist in any way in providing these classes.  Being a part of teaching others the importance of these early years would be enjoyable as well as professionally satisfying. 

Once again, I feel would benefit from more experience presenting to a large groups and would rely heavily on the skills gained from the courses I took that specifically address teaching adults.