My Own Capacity

My passion for advocacy in the beginning was more focused on working with children who have suffered from abuse. But now as we have begin to explore my passion is fueled by the changes that need to occur in the early childhood field. Many do not view early childhood as a field that is necessary to the education system but it is and those early years in a child's like build lasting connections for a lifetime.  Lobbying for funds to create and support early childhood education is now a passion for me.

There are many resources available in my area, one of those being the local Partnership for Children, which houses the local Smart Start program as well. Having this agency at my disposal will be a place that I can go and get involved with advocacy programs/projects.  They also resource connections in the local, state, and federal government.

Being new to advocacy I have room to grow in developing my skills as an advocate. I hope to get involved on local level with the agency I stated above to gain more experience in the field.

My Role As an Advocate

• What motivated you to start advocating for very young children?

As an advocate I am motivated by the fact that children are our future and investing in their lively hood and education makes a difference in whether a child is successful or not in life. Also every child deserves the opportunity to be exposed to quality education.

• Why is it essential to acknowledge and foster advocacy efforts at the micro as well as the macro level?

On the micro level you helping families, providers, and teachers understand the importance of development and learning during the early years of a child.  The macro level is combining your foundation of early childhood knowledge with public policy and legislation.  As an advocate you have to be versed in both areas because the more you involve the micro level in the macro level the bigger the impact you can make.

• What does it take to be a community leader on early childhood issues?

It takes knowledge and passion for what you do.  It also takes being involved in community agencies  and making connections with those who are already community leaders. You also want to involve yourself with those who have a similar or same beliefs that you have and are willing to advocate for.   You must also be willing to stand alone in what you believe in and stand up for that belief.  

• What resources does it take to be a state leader on early childhood issues?

As Robin Roberts (Zero to Three) states it takes money as a resource to implement new programs and to even maintain current programs. It also takes having individuals on your side that have connections on a state level whether it be representatives or commissioners, someone that can actually make changes in your states policies and laws.

• What tactics or strategies do you use to mobilize others?

To mobilize others I use education of facts of things that are occurring in the field that they will be affected by.  Also when I interact with my staff or teachers and they have ideas or issues with the early childhood system I encourage them to get involved with legislation and law making.  

• What advice would you give to someone who was interested in taking a leadership role in advocating for young children and their families?

My advice would be to let your passions guide you. Begin to make connections on the local level with those agencies or councils that share your interest.  Also begin to follow news through council newsletters or etc so that you can stay current with changes that are happening. 

Resource:

Zero to Three Policy Center. (2008). Advocacy strategies to improve outcomes for very young children: Interviews with leaders at the state and community levels. Retrieved from
http://main.zerotothree.org/site/DocServer/AdvocacyLeaders_final.pdf?docID=1882

Becoming an Advocate

Obama Supports Early Education as Ultimately Cost Saving

CHICAGO, Dec 16 (New York Times) —

"Mr. Obama’s platform, which Mr. Duncan helped write, emphasizes extending care to infants and toddlers as well, and it makes helping poor children a priority. It would also provide new federal financing for states rolling out programs to serve young children of all incomes."

Mr. Obama’s platform accepts the broad logic of the Ypsilanti study. “For every one dollar invested in high-quality, comprehensive programs supporting children and families from birth,” the platform says, “there is a $7-$10 return to society in decreased need for special education services, higher graduation and employment rates, less crime, less use of the public welfare system and better health.”

The report was published in the New York Times.

This excerpt for the New York Times highlights that our government has begun to see the benefits in early childhood education.  I chose this because for teachers in the early childhood field having the appreciation for the work that they do will allow others to understand how we are creating the foundations for a lifetime of learning in children's lives. For  me this is one of  reasons I want to become an advocate.

Resource:

 The Child Advocate. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.childadvocate.net/