Local and State Levels

Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly (Wenger, 2006). With that in mind the following organizations were appealing to me:

1.   Bright from the Start: Bright from the Start is responsible for meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia's children and their families. Bright from the Start oversees a wide range of programs focused primarily on children ages birth to school age and their families (Bright from the Start, 2015).

a.   Job Opportunity: Child Care Services Compliance Consultant: Under general supervision, reviews, monitors, and ensures compliance with state child care licensing rules and quality indicators. Provides technical assistance and support to facilities, vendors, and trainers to assure that compliance with regulations and policy is achieved and improved (Bright from the Start, 2015).

b.   Experience Needed Agency Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and/or related field, such as Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, and Human Services, etc. from an accredited college/university and two years of professional experience in Early Childhood Education and/or related early childhood field. 
OR 
Master’s in Early Childhood Education and/or related early childhood field, such as Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, and Human Services, etc. from an accredited college/university (Bright from the Start,  2015).

c.   Reason: Mission to assume the responsibilities of school readiness and as well as early learning experiences and progress in school performance and goal to increase the number of Georgia's children and families that will become accessible to quality care and to the learning programs (Bright from the Start,  2015).

2.   Wesley Women’s Center: A Center designed for women of all backgrounds to come together and improve their lives and the lives of their families. Wesley's day shelter provides a safe haven, lunch, and optional motivational programs. Services also include educational and spiritual classes, a computer lab, library, commercial kitchen and meeting space. The Family Advocacy Project, which is housed in the Women's Center, offers a food pantry, career clothing closet, and emergency rent and utility assistance. (Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, Inc., 2015).

a.   Job Opportunity: The Women's Center Director advocates on behalf of women and families in need, often partnering with other non-profits to meet all the needs (Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, Inc., 2015).

b.   Experience Needed: Bachelor's or master's degree in social services, psychology, criminal justice or a related field; Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; Proficiently use a personal computer; Must have own transportation, a valid driver’s license, and vehicle insurance.

c.   Reason: This is a great program because it not only encourages the involvement and education of children but also push their parents to educate themselves with the Adult Education Classes. Also, providing motivational programs shows that this organization understands the importance how a person environment influences them.

3.   Hodge Memorial Daycare Center

a.   Job Opportunity: Center Director is responsible for setting the tone for the facility, managing the curriculum, overseeing physical facilities, hiring staff and managing the overall image of the center. They sometimes also ensure compliance with all local and federal laws governing child care, both in regard to the physical environment and the staff, and manage the financial affairs of the child care facility (Study.com, 2015).  

b.   Experience Needed: Bachelor's or master's degree in Early Child Care or related field, and 2 years of supervisory and teaching experience.

c.   Reason: I chose this school because it is a nonprofit organization and focuses on providing affordable quality day care for children (ChildcareCenter.us, 2015) and that I have 8 years of experience with a nonprofit organization. I notice that it was not much detail information, such as a website other than Facebook,  so as the Director, I would try my best to show the program how to get receive the best services using minimal resources.

References

Bright from the Start. (2015). Georgia department of early care and learning. Retrieved from http://decal.ga.gov/

ChildcareCenter.us (2015). Information for Hodge Memorial Day Care Center, a Child Care Learning Center in Savannah GA. Retrieved from http://childcarecenter.us/

Study.com (2015). Child Care Center Director: Job description, duties and outlook. Retrieved from http://study.com/articles/Child_Care_Center_Director_Job_Description_Duties_and_Outlook.html 

Wenger, E. (2006).Communities of practice: A brief introduction. Retrieved from http://www.ewenger.com/theory/

Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, Inc. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.wesleyctrs-savh.org/