Information Gathered From the Interview

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Table of Contents

Career Plan
Career Path
Summary
References

Planning for a career is as important as any part of working to achieve the necessary requirement for the career as having the necessary qualifications without having a clear direction as to where one is heading to in terms of the career is not feasible (Department of Civil Service, 2007, para. 4). I intend to become an Early Intervention Specialist in the future and I have started the process by pursuing a Social Sciences Degree which is required in that field of work. I met with an Early Intervention Specialist in one of the Institutions offering Early Intervention Services to children and learned the following about the job market, the career requirements, both academic and otherwise as well as the monetary and nonmonetary benefits that come with working in the industry.

The Education requirements include a High School Diploma or a Graduate Equivalence Diploma (GED) as well as a post-secondary Bachelorss Degree in a relevant field. Seeing as I am a Social Sciences Major and I already have a High School Diploma, I fit within the requirements of the job industry. I was informed that certification from relevant organizations such as the Child Development Associate would be of importance as it will prove the acquisition of relevant training and knowledge of the necessary and required standards as is expected of all professionals working in the field.

The Early Intervention Specialist I interviewed gave me a detailed description of the general duties of an Intervention Specialist which include but are not limited to the following: First it is necessary for the specialist to come up with a schedule that is specifically created for the child who requires the services as well as the childs family. This is necessary as it acts as a guideline for the whole program and offers a sense of stability and consistency for the child and the family. Record keeping is a necessary requirement for the job as it is in such records that the childs progress is documented. Dealing with the childs family is also necessary and in most cases, one is supposed to offer advice to the families on how to handle the child therefore it is necessary for the specialist to be well trained in this sector. Constant evaluation and supervision of the childs and familys progress are also necessary and it should also be documented. Most of the duties center on the child and may vary depending on the childs condition and progress.

I learned that the working environment also depends on the general schedule and may even take place in the familys home and is not necessarily limited to classrooms and daycare facilities. This, therefore, requires a lot of flexibility on the part of the Early Intervention Specialist. The salary scale is reasonable and varies depending on the institution that one is employed in. The institutions are found both in the private and public sector and include government institutions, companies, and non-profit-making organizations. The salary and other nonmonetary benefits are dependent on ones level of experience and education. The sector offers a lot of room for career development both in terms of promotions and opportunities for advancing ones education. This is beneficial in my case as I plan to pursue a Post Graduate Degree in my field of education.

My interviewees were quick to point out that experience is very important in that line of work and advised that I attend Internship programs and also volunteer in institutions that offer such programs. The job also requires a lot of commitment and discipline as one is at times required to work for longer than necessary hours.

Career Plan

Mission and Objectives

When I come to the end of my career, I want to have accomplished a lot such that I will be recognized as one of the people who made a difference in the lives of children and their families and organizations in which I worked in as well as others which were associated with my line of work. Such recognition does not come easily and therefore hard work and dedication are imperative as I seek to make a difference in the lives of people. The Education I am acquiring at the moment is of great importance in helping me jumpstart my career but I also recognize the importance of acquiring practical skills and Internships are part of my plans to acquire such experience.

I am a Social Science major and upon the completion of my coursework I intend to immediately start looking for a job in order to kick off my intended career as an Early Intervention Specialist. At the moment I am sending out applications to various organizations looking for internship opportunities. In case this does not work, I plan to volunteer in any Early Intervention organization that will require volunteers as this is also a viable way of acquiring experience as well as exposure in the working environment. My goals are both short-term and long-term. The short-term goal is to seek employment in a viable institution and from there work on my long-term goals which include career development as well as furthering my Education to the Postgraduate and Doctorate level. I am also seeking to be enrolled in an Early Intervention Specialist program in order to acquire the necessary certification. After the acquisition of the necessary education and experience, I hope to seek a higher level of employment in a management position either in the organization I will be working with at the time or any other that will offer me that opportunity.

Career Path

First Job: Early Intervention Specialist I

The Educational requirements for this level include a High School Diploma and a Bachelorss Degree in a relevant field. But the time I complete my degree course I will be eligible for a position in this level of employment. The main duties for this level of work include planning, organizing, coordinating, and keeping records regarding the childrens progress as well as other duties as may be required by the organization. I will be able to carry out these duties efficiently and effectively by then as I will also have acquired practical work experience.

Second Job: Early Intervention Specialist II

The Education requirements at this level are similar to those of an Early Intervention Specialist I but require an additional certificate or license from a recognized professional body such as the Child Development Associate. I plan to have acquired the certificate by then. Additional duties will include supervision and development of family-based plans as opposed to childrens plans, team, and services coordination. I will have the necessary experience to be able to work at this level. I plan to be studying for my post-graduate degree as I continue working at this level.

Third Job: Early Intervention Specialist II

This level will be attained based on experience, say five years which I plan to have by then. This will mean even more responsibilities at an organization level and supervision level such as supervising Early Intervention Specialists in the first and second levels. While at this level, I plan to have completed my post-graduate degree and will thus be eligible for an even higher position, probably at the management level.

Fourth Job: Management Level Position

I will have the necessary experience and education qualifications for a management-level position. The experience required at this level will be high but coupled with my Education qualifications I believe I will be eligible. By then my experience will be between seven and ten years. The salary scale at this level is high and it will enable me to pay for my doctorate degree. These jobs need not be in the same organization as I will explore opportunities from various institutions in order to diversify my knowledge to include the industry level apart from that acquired in a specific institution. I also hope to have formed the necessary networks that will help me reach my goals and objectives in making an impact on peoples lives.

Summary

Organization, commitment, and hard work are necessary in order to follow through with a career plan (Baby Watch, 2010, para. 2). I am committed to mine. It is important to note that challenges will be faced and I have alternative plans that will ensure continuity and stability in case things do not work out as I have planned them. In order to cope well with the requirements of this industry, one needs to be flexible, open-minded and rounded which I am and so far it has helped me adapt well in different situations. Early Intervention Specialist is a career path that I have always been drawn to and personal interests fit well within its job description and with that, I stand to make a difference.

References

Baby Watch. (2010). Early Intervention Credentialing Guide and Portfolio Planner. Web.

Department of Civil Service. (2007). Early Intervention Specialist 1, 2, 3. Web.

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