Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

There are many different types of federal and national organizations that help families, teachers, and caregivers with children born with autism.  Autism is something that affects many families.  After doing extensive research on this topic, I found a national organization called Autism Society.  This organization has information for families, individuals, professionals, and advocates.  Their website is filled with information.  This organization is the nation's leading grassroots autism organization and "hosts the most comprehensive national conference on autism, attended by 2,000 people each year" (Autism Society, 2014).  They currently have no vacant positions, but this is something that I would be interesting in doing or volunteering with.  One would have to have knowledge in the field of autism and working with children with disabilities.  "The Autism Society accomplishes its ongoing mission through close collaboration with a successful network of affiliates, members and supporters" (Autism Society, 2014).  

Another federal organization that I think would be very good is called Milestones Autism Organization.  "Milestones Autism Resources helps individuals with autism reach their unique potential. We focus on educating and coaching for family members and professionals in evidence-based practical strategies. Our conferences, workshops, professional development, referral calls and online resources connect the autism community with vital information, and each other" (Milestones Autism Organization, 2014).  This would be a great resource to add to my community of practice since they offer training for professionals.  This would include training for teachers.  They offer summer camps for children.  I think it would be a great opportunity to work with their summer program.  They also offer volunteer opportunities for teenagers with autism to work for them through their intern program.  They also offer an internship for college and graduate students. 
"Duration and work assignments are based on the needs of the student and agency. Students majoring in social work, communications, special education, psychology or nonprofit management are encouraged to apply. Milestones can provide supervision for social work students needing field hours for completion of their academic program" (Milestones Autism Organization, 2014).

 Another organization that I came across is the Dan Marino Foundation.  This organization is committed to making the lives of those who suffer with autism better.  They are located in South Florida and have impacted the community through "therapies, research, education, and employment, and raised more than $47 million to create unique initiatives in the community. Among these "first-of-their-kind" initiatives were the Miami Children's Hospital Dan Marino Center, Childnett.tv, the Marino Autism Research Institute, Marino Adapted Aquatics, Summer STEPS Employment Programs, and now, Marino Campus, opening Fall 2014" (Dan Marino Foundation, 2014).  They offer a jobs development program and a summer camp.  They currently have no job opportunities posted on their website, but one can volunteer to help with the summer camp.  To apply for this, one must work well with children with special needs, be patient, and work well with others. 

References

Autism Society.  (2014).  Improving the Lives of All Affected by Autism.  Retrieved from http://www.autism-society.org/

Dan Marion Foundation.  (2014).  Opening Doors.  Retrieved from http://www.danmarinofoundation.org/portal/home

Milestones Autism Organization.  (2014).  Education, Coaching, Connecting.  Retrieved from http://milestones.org/