A Note of Thanks and Support to My Colleagues

During my journey of learning how to become an advocate, I have found that my role consists of many things. For example, it takes much of applying professional skills, self determination and an understanding of how an issue is to be presented to assist or benefit others. My colleagues have supported me by giving me their thoughts and ideas about education programs for young children and their families. During the entire quarter, they gave their input on how early learning contributes to future success. One colleague brought to my attention that there are several funded child education programs that are either or both federal, state and grant funded. Some examples, of the programs are Early Head Start, Childcare, Head Start, State Pre-K, Head Start/Childcare/State Pre-K, State Pre-K and etc.

The federal funded programs usually provide services for the child and their family. We discussed the similarities and differences between each program. We know that the programs are provided for children who are living in poverty.  They are also below income, low income and at income level but we could not understand why there were so many programs out there. Further discussion lead us to remember that funding is the key issue for each program. We both hope that, in the future, all children will someday be able to benefit from a quality early education.

I have supported some of my colleagues by giving professional input and motivation through discussions.   I have suggested websites to visit that might be helpful to them as they continue the process.  My wish for them is that they will continue to lead in their role as an advocate. I hope that their efforts bring about rewards of change and progress.  I hope that their plans are heard documented and put into action. Everyone had a great cause that they were fighting.  The one thing that I would like to tell them is to keep up the fight because one day it will eventually pay off.  

My Personal Advocacy Journey

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” Albert Einstein

I'm inspired to become an advocate because I understand that every young child deserves a chance to have a quality education. I'm excited to have found out that although one can do very little to convince congress that an early education is important; it hasn't prevented many advocates from lobbying on behalf of the poor and low-income families.

The challenges that I will probably continue to face are with the families who would like their young children to attend school but cannot afford to do so because they do not qualify for childcare subsidies and/or they are over income for Head Start.

The Advocacy Action Plan can only be effective if I am able to implement it so that others become passionate about its importance. I would have to find the additional time and resources to collect important data that will support the interest of my plan.  The research, timelines, history and etc. has to be true of facts and support realistic goals.

My belief is that we all have a least one thing that we would like to change or improve in our profession.  Our young children cannot speak on their own behalf.  As Einstein stated, “the imagination embraces the entire world.”  We should become advocates knowing that it all begins with the Imagination.

Enlisting and Providing Support (Quality Childcare for All Children)

It seems as though advocacy support for low income families is shared all across the world. My question is; with all of the data and research to show that young children benefit from a quality early childhood education, why is it taking so long to provide a stable budget that will support their educational needs?

The resources and information that I am seeking is; evidence/facts to show why the government, city and state has not made early education a priority. What are the members of congress really saying about early education? The "Race to the Top" is an opportunity for all childcare/pre-k/Head Start providers to receive funding for quality services. How will the award impact a community of low-income children/families who are enrolled in a early childhood program that is not rated quality yet can provide assistance to low income children and families who are in need?

The National Center for Children in Poverty (http://www.nccp.org/) has been a helpful tool for me as I have moved forward towards advocacy efforts.  It has researched information about children and families, policies, early education and etc. The course text (Informed Advocacy in Early Childhood Care and Education, by Judith Kieff) was also helpful in and more of a resource because it contained step by step information on how to become an advocate.  The book included facts about policies, assessments, planning and etc. helped me to expand my topic.

Learning to Become an Advocate

Learning to Become an Advocate
I have learned that an advocates role is basically to rally for the rights of what is right.  Advocacy can become an effective tool when one becomes "curious" not only to seek out answers to solve important issues but to also discover ways to handle situations in a professional manner. When this is done, families tend to listen and want to become apart of changing policies that benefit not just themselves but also for others.  In fact, advocacy can suggest that one "believes strongly" in their support efforts.  They may have a "vision" of how to change broken systems that limit the most who are in need.  They will research and speak out on topics that are of interest.  The more knowledge that an advocate gains will bring about positive actions.  These actions could eventually turn into a "passion" for making changes, becoming decision makers and also for learning how to be most effective at what he/she is doing.

A characteristic that would effect change is in the example that is given in chapter two of the "Early Childhood teacher who worked with a senate subcommittee to draft legislation in order to broaden financial support for Early Childhood Programs."  Funding for Early Childcare is important because it determines what families will and will not benefit from the program.  Because childcare funding is an important political issue, it also affects the kind of materials that children will use, the quality of academic programs and also the effectiveness of the program overall.  For example, one of the questions that one might ask is; will funding provide the program with services such as health, mental health and nutrition for children and families?       

Course Text: Kieff, J. (2009). Informed advocacy in early childhood care and education. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.  Chapter 2, “Contexts for Advocacy”

by Deborah Ingram at 10:38 pm

Discussion #5

During my research, I learned that poor people are serioulsy divided into to groups, the haves and the have nots.  I have learned that the poor people who have are more likely to teach their children language/vocabulary without going to school  and thier children are more likely to succeed  in school.  Although, I believe that the odds are very much against the poor families who have.  I have to  support research. 
I learned that their are many people advocating for the rights of quality early childcare for young children.  I have learned that the State and government have some who are strong supporters advocating to cut education for young children because they believe that research that is conducted on a child's brain to show that  early learning, is a myth.
One challange that I overcame while completing my research paper was that I learned how to use the outline as a tool so that my paper would make sense.
An insight that I gained was that all young children may never reap the benifit of an early education because of money, beliefs and power.
A misconception that I have corrected is making sure that my paper is composed of research and not my own thoughts and experiences.

Discusion #4

The challanges that I am experiencing  while writing my research paper is that there is so much information that is available for early childhood educators, families and interested readers.  My belief is that much of the material is very useful for professionals in the field of Early Childhood because the information ensures that everyone has up dated knowledge about services, interactions, instruction and etc.  There is all kinds of information on line about educationg young children.   I have become over whelmed with information and citing references and citations.   I believe that I should have been familiar with some of the resources because it would have been much easier for me to organize my paper.

By putting together an outline, it gave  me ideas of how to make sense of my paper.  The advice that I would give my colleagues is to complete an outline before you search for research materials.

I would like to know if my colleages used  more than three topics and questions in their outlines.

Module# 5

My research has taken me to places where I have never been.  The research/readings are very interesting. I'm using the word ARE because there is so much material.  My search has taken me to internet articles and an Ebony Magazine because of limited time. I beleive if I expand my research in other directions, I'll be reading for a long time.  For my colleagues, they are doing a great job.  I would like Luz to know that her research on bullying is very interesting.  I hope that she can find a way to help children and adults who are being bullyed and those who bully.  For Luz to become an advocate to stop bully's from being successfull will be the first step to healing a community by creating peace among everyone.  The support of possitive outcomes from the community, school and at home will be one way to ensure peace.  I believe that intense family counseling would be a major intervention.  It should be enforced to find out where it started and how the bullying can become preventive.  

Mary Murphy talked about children using their words because words are powerful.   My belief is that the key to children using kind words to solve conflicts and other issues creates model and honest citizens.  Words  bring about a beautiful language that helps to open doors to the future and possive opportunities.

Maria Garcia talked about advocating for children with disabilities. I was impressed with the concern that she seems to have for how children are treated and how and what they are learning.  I didn't know until two years ago that before the IDEA rules and regulations were enforced, people with disabilites were treated with very little regards, in school. Teachers were allowed to move forward with the other students while the child who needed more structure and scaffolding was left behind in the lessons.  Maria sounds determined to gather additional information that will help her to speak on the behalf of children.  My belief is that Maria  is a possitve representation of what the past teachers should have been.  

Supporting Collaboration in the efforts of  Peace, Unity, Language and Caring will make a difference in the lives of all young children.

Module #4 Interview

My interview was with two female parents.  They each have one child living in the household.  One parent is attending school to be a medical R. N. The other parent is attending a two year college and is studing Early Childhood Education.  They were each asked to share how they incorporate academic learning with their  young child at home.   Their comments were somewhat the same.  They both said that they read to their child everyday.  They both said that that have conversations with their child to promote language development and comprehesion.  They both said that they involve thier children with outside activities that are of little or no cost but they provide learning experiences such as the zoo, the museum and the library.

What is Poverty?

What is poverty? Poverty is a place in society where some poor people are limited to being successful in life. My belief is that it holds limits. In some cases, it interferes with the structure of a family's life, environment and culture. Most importantly, it can eliminate the hopes and dreams of young children becoming successful in the future and academics. What are your thoughts?



I asked some people to comment on my blog "What Is Poverty?"  Since it has taken a while for them to respond, I will cut and paste all response as they write them.

What Is Poverty?

Unfortunately we live in a society that does not value education and social service. Every family deserves the right to have their child properly educated regardless of their socioeconomic status. We all know that. However, we should think about who is being most affected by poverty and the broken educational system, and ask ourselves why some working parents are penalized for . . . working. Poverty, in all forms maintains the status quo, and darkens the line between the "haves" and "have nots".

Danielle Southern


What Is Poverty

Being a single parent working and not making enough to do but making to much for assistance, I had to look at my situation and remember what the word says. If I don't conform to this world and be transformed by the renewing of my mind and know that God is our provider ,then I would not fall victim to the affects of this world's system. The mind set of poverty does not apply to me because my God will supply all my needs according to his riches in glory, so government assistance is not my portion any way. My testimony will not be what the government has done for me but what God has done for me. Because never is the righteous forsaken nor does his seed beg for bread.

Sonia Evans


What Is Poverty?

Anything that can provide an equal and quality educational experience for EVERYONE is a great thing.

Coleman Lucas

What Is Poverty?

Hey it's controlled living. Is Proverty what we see on tv?  Pictures of with little hungry babies because there is a lack of water, food , medical attention.  Proverty comes in many forms.  In fact, some of us are living in proverty and don't even know it...... sad.

Catherine Perry

What Is Poverty?

This weekend I decided to go outside of the Early Childhood setting and asked friends and family to comment on the "What Is Poverty?" blog.  These are the questions that I listed.                   

What are your thoughts? Do you believe that becoming an advocate to ensure that all poor families, not just some, benefit from a quality Early Childhood Education Program is worth advocating for with today’s economy in shambles? Does your definition of poverty include some or all of the poor? What can be a valid argument for working families who want their young children to benefit from a quality Early Childhood Education Program, but are not eligible for the Child Care Assistance Program because they are over the poverty income guidelines? Should we settle for being grateful that some of our poor families are eligible for the Childcare Assistance Program?  In what ways do you believe that children and their families can benefit from a quality Early Childhood Education Program?

What Is Poverty?

 

                                                  What is Poverty?
During this entire week, I found myself asking the question "What is Poverty?”   I thought that I knew the definition to the question until I began asking other people questions about the Child Care Assistance Program Income Guidelines for Child Care.  For example, I asked a person, who is in administration, why did she believe that all poor families do not qualify for Child Care?  She stated that “it is because of limited government resources and funding.”  She used an example of how the government puts a poor homeless family, who is not working, needs before a poor family who might be struggling to pay their mortgage yet is working and has a home.”  

She said that “a homeless family has limited resources and their basic needs are not met.”  “They will most likely benefit from the Child Care Program.”  I believe her statements to be true.  I’m also happy that the system has not denied Child Care Services to the children who need it the most.  But, I would like to see all poor families, who are below and at poverty level, qualify for an Early Child Care Education.   

The Illinois Department of Human Services states that the Child Care Assistance Program has a denial and approval application process.  It seems to be a part of the program that takes the focus off of all poor families and places a limit on who is eligible according to income. My belief is that poor people should not be divided into groups such as people who are in need and those who are believed to be not as needy.

What is poverty? Poverty is a place in society where some poor people are limited to being successful in life.  My belief is that it holds limits.  In some cases, it interferes with the structure of a family.  It can eliminate the hopes and dreams of young children who are bright and are interested in a quality education. 

What are your thoughts?  Do you believe that becoming an advocate to ensure that all poor families, not just some, benefit from a quality Early Childhood Education Program is worth advocating for with today’s economy in shambles?   Does your definition of poverty include some or all of the poor? What can be a valid argument for working families who want their young children to benefit from a quality Early Childhood Education, but are not eligible for the Child Care Assistance Program because they are over the poverty income guidelines?

Resources

What Is IDHS CCAP? http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=31661

Becoming an Advocate

                                                     Becoming An Advocate
                                                        By Deborah Ingram

     My interview was with the center Director and the State Pre-k Teacher.  To get the conversation started, we had to think about the needs of the families.  We talked about the three most effective ways that we believe Advocacy would have a possitive impact on Early Childcare and Education.  They were "Economic Hardship," "Self Advocacy" "(Supporting Family Members as they learn to become advocates for their children)," and "Lobbying" "(Letters and Emails)."

     The interviews guided me in making a clear decision about an advocates role.  I believe it is to create possitve and effective outcomes for solving difficult issues in Early Childhood Education, issues that continue to occur.

     The area that I am going to focus on when I write my paper is "Advocating for All Poor Families to Qualify For Thier Young Children To Have A Quality Education." 

     A question that I would like to ask my colleagues is what would be an effective way for me to begin the process of advocating for my families?

Deborah Ingram


                                                       References
 
     Kieff, J. (2009). Informed advocacy in early childhood care and education. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

• Chapter 1, “Building a Case for Advocacy”
• Chapter 6, “Becoming Informed”