Matter of Public Opinion

As child advocates, our challenge is not to have people want these goals (of positive and healthy development) for their children but to demand them for all children.
—Bill Bentley, President and CEO of Voices for America’s Children

From my perspective, I believe that the public has come to understand the importance of caring and education our young from the moment of conception.  There is so much research to support that “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men”—Frederick Douglass that the public cannot ignore how important the field of early childhood is.  My thinking is highly influenced by the history of the field learnt this week.  We went from no government support to an official early childhood system supported by the government and other government funding for private preschools.  That sort of change can only take place because the public is starting to realize the truth in Frederick Douglass’s words.

With the help of advocates in my cohort, I hope the public over the next five years, realizes the tremendous impact social emotional development has on all aspect of a child’s life.  I pray the public realizes the need for preschool for all children in order to ensure a future that is bright.  Preschool settings monitored and regulated by the government with strict academic, social, and emotional curricula to promote healthy development of children and their families. 

If universal preschool were to come to fruition, issues such as access to service would no longer be an issue since preschool would be treated like all other grades.  Issues such as competent professionals, funding, and quality would remain an issue that advocates in my cohort would need to continue to fight for. 

Why Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy

Why Public Policy and Advocacy?

            When I was a little girl, my older brother and I always spoke of providing services to children and their families.  We use to say that no Haitian children would ever go hungry with our organization around. (I am a Haitian Native)  Growing up my dad used to preach that education was the solution to everything.  As I got older and attended college I learned the significance of a preschool education; how it has the ability to build the foundation necessary to be successful educationally in later years.  That was when I realized that I wanted to universalize preschool for children all over the world.  But I could not do that without knowing the field first.  So I began to work as an early childhood teacher then a literacy coach.  Two to three years into my teaching career, I realize that the same issues returned to my room every year even though I had a brand new class every time.  That was when I realized that the policies around us ruled and dictated our lives.  Shortly afterwards, I was a member of the Walden University family pursing a Master’s in Early childhood Studies Public Policy and Advocacy.

            What is an advocate? 

“Advocates are people who stand up for, speak for, and work to enhance the lives of others who are not able or not yet able to speak for themselves.  Advocacy is often highly visible… but just as often, advocacy is quiet and personal and is immediately noticed by only those most affected.” (Kieff, 2009)

            So why are advocated essential in the early childhood field?  Well because advocates are necessary to positive change.  Much like the quote expressed, everyone can become an advocate.  Parents advocate for their children in the same way that teachers advocate for their students.  If we are not willing to acknowledge that a system is flawed, take the necessary steps to rectify it, then change would never come.  Another major reason why I want to be a skilled and confident advocate is because I am aware of the institutional isms that stand in the way of individuals being advocates for themselves as a result, I believe it to be my duty to help those less fortunate than me.

Three goals I aspire to accomplish at the end of this course:

1.      I want to gain insight on the best doctorate program for the professional goals I have in mind.  Hopefully with the materials covered in this course, I will have a clue as to what my next career move is.

2.      I want to learn the tools and skills necessary to be a skilled and confident advocate.  Having the tools will allow me the opportunity for growth and with growth I come closer to achieving my dreams

3.      I would love to learn the process by which policies come to life.

References

Kieff, J. (2009). Informed advocacy in early childhood care and education: Making a difference for young children and families. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.