Why Advocacy and Public Policy?

Part 1: Why did you choose this specialization?
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I chose the specialization of Advocacy and Policy because I am very passionate about children.  More importantly I am passionate about helping the less fortunate see that they can be successful, although their situation seems so bleak.  I was a child of poverty and a minority and I was able to succeed because my teachers saw the potential in me and pushed me to be all that I could be.  I was also fortunate enough to have two parents that found education to be of key importance.  They stood beside me and helped me to be the best that I could be. They expected that I would be a honor roll students and the responsibility of making that happen was mine.  No excuses.  What I hope to accomplish is to find a way to use the passion that I have for the success of children to help develop programs and resources that will allow those children without the family, community and economic support that school readiness requires, to have the same opportunity as those that do.  I hope to find a career that allows me to make a difference, not one child at a time but for a multitude of children. 

Why are advocates essential in the early childhood field?

Advocacy is essential in the early childhood field, without someone to fight for you or to speak on your behalf you may be left behind.  This is why I believe that becoming a skilled and confident advocate is important not only for me as a professional early childhood educator, but for the children that I can speak for.  When policies are formed and decisions are being made, with regard to early childhood programs and services, it is vital that skilled, confident and well informed professionals are present to defend the needs and rights of young children and their families.  Without the early childhood programs and resources, many children will find themselves left behind without the skills they need to enter school ready to learn.  It is so important that we focus more attention on the early development of young children if we are going to truly turn around the education system as we know it today.

What do you hope to learn about public policy and advocacy?

Three goals that I am setting for myself at this point in my coursework are to better understand policies that govern the early childhood field.  Although I have some knowledge, I am not confident at this point that I truly understand early childhood policies.  Secondly, I hope to complete more research on current issues that are occurring in the early childhood field.  Again, I have some knowledge of issues, but I am not confident that I could argue and support my arguments with the ability to recall supporting documentation.  And finally, I hope to develop a better understanding of how my skills, experiences, and knowledge can be best used to advocate for young children and to assist with public policy.