The three local
or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me were the
Hawaii Association for the Education of Young Children (HAEYC) , National
Family Association and the Commander , Navy Installations Command . I
chose HAEYC which is an affiliate of the
National Association for the Education of Young Children because they shared
the same vision of making sure that quality education and care is accessible
and affordable to all families and children especially those who cannot afford
it. I would like to be a part of a committee which creates policy for families
and children making sure they get the funds for quality life and education
programs. Another community of support I would like to join or be involved is the
National Military Family Association. I would like to be a part of their
Operation Purple Program which aims to empower military families and children
to develop and maintain healthy connection and relationships (http://www.militaryfamily.org).
We all know that military families make great sacrifices of being away from
each other because of deployments and this is one way we can support them. This
program also serves the children and families of wounded soldiers. By sharing
my experiences hopefully will make them feel they are not alone on this
journey. Lastly, I have chosen the Commander, Navy Installation Command or CNIC because of their Family and
Fleet Readiness Program.) They are responsible for
policy development, resourcing and oversight of quality of life programs for
Sailors and their families. FFR enables a ready Navy force through programs
such as Family Readiness, Fleet Readiness and Housing programs. I would like to
be a part of the Family Readiness division which provides programs and services
to family and fleet such as relocation assistance, information and referral,
financial management counseling, spouse employment services, family advocacy
and the transition assistance program (http://cnic.navy.mil). Child and Youth
Programs including child development homes and centers as well as school age
centers were also a part of this program.
Any job opportunities
that will cater to families and children always interests me because I would
like to help out and make transitioning easier of families and children.
Whether it is employment or volunteer
work, it always inspires me because I know how it is to be in their shoes. I
had the support I need when I was a military and spouse and now that my husband
is retired, I would like to give back the support I got- making sure they get
the help and support they need.
To have the first
priority in hiring is always being a military spouse and already working within
the organization. The minimum requirement to work as a Child development
provider is a high school graduate, with CDA, Associate degree or Bachelor's
degree, experienced working with children and most especially having a cleared
background clearance. Sometimes the experience can make up for the education or
the other way around. The good thing about having a higher education is the
ability for professional growth. I can apply for Program Director, Asst.
Director, Trainer or Coordinator whichever I prefer but for me the most
important qualification is being able to reach out and communicate well with
the families and children. As what I
have mentioned, it does not matter to me whether it a paying job or a volunteer
work, I will accept an offer just to give back to the community of practice who
has given me and my family the support we need when we were deployed.
Reference:
http://cnic.navy.mil/CNIC_HQ_Site/WhatWeDo/FleetandFamilyReadiness/index.htm
http://hawaiikeiki.org/public-policy/critical-issues/
http://www.militaryfamily.org/our-programs/operation-purple/
