For me my whole life has centered around the military. So when
I look to my local and state organizations I search for ones that will also
help my military community/families. One of the organizations I have chosen to
be a part of my communities of practice is the Military Child Education
Coalition.
The Military Child Education Coalition is a fantastic organization
whose mission is “to ensure inclusive, quality educational opportunities for
all military-connected children affected by mobility, transition, deployments
and family separation” (Military Child Education Coalition, 2018). I have
worked with them in the past and will easily work with them again. They supply
great information to the families and children.
You can become a member of the military child education
coalition, donate, or even volunteer. They do have employment opportunities in
various parts of the country. Applications are available through their website.
If I was interested in a job with them I would need a degree from an accredited
college, teaching, training or counseling, preferably be a military parent or
souse, have some leadership qualities, to list just a few.
Another organization that appeals to me is the Exceptional
Family Member Program. They are an organization that mostly deals with military
family members with special needs. That covers a wide range of disabilities. I
was once a part of this organization. They men and women who run this program
are phenomenal individuals. They truly have a passion for their families and
the work they do. They offer education, programs, etc. for families with
special needs. As a member of this group they offer things like Paint with a
twist, family retreats, day trips, and more. They understand that not every
environment is inclusive to families with special needs, but the families still
deserve lots. They offer education and resources to those families as well.
Being labeled as someone with special needs can be very difficult and they offer
these families great resources to better handle the new changes that may come
in their lives and opportunities to embrace it. Again, I have to stress that
have special needs has changed in definition in so many ways. It is not what we
typically think. A family could have a child with ADHD, who functions normally,
but has this diagnosis, then there are the extremes of families who have a
member with cerebral palsy, or down syndrome, etc. This particular organization
is there to help everyone under this umbrella. There are no real job opportunities,
only when someone leaves. They welcome volunteers. I love working with them
though. To work in this organization, I believe you need to have a bachelor’s
degree and needs to have hours related to the social sciences. I would also
need to be able to handle public speaking.
Finally, another group that I want in my community of
practice is the SLO or the School Liaison Officer. This particular group or
organization is the link between families and the school life. They offer information,
resources and referral opportunities to families who just move to new
locations. They also are the link to families then the school/school board. One
of their job duties is to offer transition assistance to families and the
schools during deployments and other changes occurring in military schools and
the families. They are a great resource to turn to when trying to navigate
through the educational system, especially when moving to a new location. I
have used them when I first moved back to Florida and to enroll my kids in
school. So many rules and new changes I did not know existed for them or my
family. When I have a concern or a particular problem with the school, I can call
them, and they will do what they can. They attend school board meetings and
sometimes are the voice of their families.
Job opportunities for SLO’s are only open when someone
leaves that position or unless the military installation feels another position
needs to be created to service the base in a better way. The SLO has to be a
great communicator as they will be the link between parents and base
leadership. They are there to assist military families in the education process
for school aged children. They also must coordinate with local school system and
assist in school related issues.
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog post! I love learning about all the different types of communities of practice/organizations all over the country that have the same focus to help children and their families thrive. My husband served in the Air Force, so I am very interested in learning more about the Military Child Education Coalition. It sounds like a lot of children and their families are positively benefiting from their work. Thanks for sharing that with me. I love learning something new! Good luck to you as we near the end of our journey!
Jennifer
Hi Lisa-
ReplyDeleteThanks for such an informative post. I had no idea the range of services that are available for children with special needs and their families as part of their service to our country, and I am really happy to hear it. It is important that we, as advocates for children and families ensure that those who have sacrificed for their country are not forgotten. I am curious about any "red tape" issues, such as eligibility requirements or even divorced military families, serving or discharged families may have in accessing some of these services and if there are opportunities for those issues to be streamlined?
I especially appreciated your synopsis of the SLO role. School can be a scary place, not only for children but also can be overwhelming to parents trying to navigate the system. Thanks again for sharing!