Benefits of Head Start

One mothers experience helped her work with her children especially a child that was  non verbal that other educators had already said he would not develop normally.  With the encouragement of Head start the child received speech, and occupational therapy he is now a 3.3 student and plays basketball communicating with his peers.  Another person learned how to encourage her family and other to have a higher self esteem and be proud of what they do.  Head start encourages parents to keep supporting the program and make sure their voices are heard while always believing "yes, we can."  

The involvement of parents and family members can benefit the children not just by showing support to the program and educators but also showing the children what they are learning and doing in class is important to the ones that love them the most.  Families can reinforce what the children are learning within the classroom.  The children will respond in a positive manner if those that interact with them regularly are are on the same page.

The government and policy makers can benefit because head start is a good starting point for any child providing the foundation to their education and laying the ground work for the child to be successful.  The end result will be better test scores and a lower drop out rate.

Importance of Quality in Education

                     

I wonder sometimes just how important education is to the government officials that run and guide our country and communities,  This question arises when educational programs such our public school are in need of funding and their requests are ignored or over looked.  In the community I am proud to call home our elementary schools have been over flowing with children for years.  There are hundreds of students that have to be bussed to another school everyday because the elementary school in their area is full.  These children are spending an hour in the morning and again in the afternoon which takes away from their time at home and time their could be either playing with their peers, studying, or resting for their upcoming day.  Not to mention the teachers that are required to teach overloaded classroom and do not have the time necessary to provide the one on one time children deserve and may require to be successful.   It would seem that money is the issue but rather than spend the money on fuel for the buses and money for other expenses involved over time why not add on to our existing schools and provide jobs for teachers.  Or if expanding our current selection of schools why not build a few more?  When there are decisions to be decided in local elections it seems like the community would rather see money spent on the arts and other community projects rather than investing in the futures of our children.  Over the next 5 to 10 years our community should reevaluate their priorities and put our children first. With the help of advocates and other professionals the needs can be explained so that maybe our community can see the importance of providing the best education possible to our children and families.

Why Become an Childhood Advocate

Children are innocent and deserve to have adults that watch out for their best interests and safety.  Not every child in our society have that and that is where childhood advocates come in.  I want to be the individual that a child can count on to care about them as an individual.  Advocates look at the situation the child is currently in and makes sure that the child is completely safe and experiencing the nurturing environment a child deserves.  Along with the child's well being and advocate can help educate the family making them aware of programs and parenting methods that could help their family as a whole and encourage love and interaction.  The main reason I have chosen this career field is because I have a heart for children and it is important to me to enjoy my career feeling like I am making a difference.

I believe it is important for early childhood educators to be skilled and educated so that they are fully aware of ways they can be helping children in order to provide the best support possible.  It is also important to have continuous education because as policies change it should be a priority for educators and advocates to be aware rather than in the dark.  The children and families count on us to help them and know how and in what ways are best for their family most importantly current ways and policies that need to be considered.

My goals at this point in my education are:
1. Learn the policies necessary to help protect children 
2. Learn as much as I can from my classes so that when I am in the field I can provide the best care for the children and their families.
3.. Find ways to do what I love that makes it possible to help my husband take care of our family.