Part 1: Why did you choose this
specialization (Early Childhood Public Policy & Advocacy)?
I chose this specialization because it
described exactly why I chose to return to school for my Master’s degree. I had
come to realize that working with and for children and families is my niche in
life and therefore I wanted to hone and expand my abilities in the field. Because
this niche has landed me in the area of child welfare versus formal education
of children, this concentration is the most appropriate within this degree
program for me. Specifically, I have an interest in learning more about the “big
picture” of my professional field. I would like to know how major policy decisions
are made, and advocate for the children and families I serve when these
decisions hinder their success in our communities.
Part 2: Why are advocates essential
to the early childhood field?
I believe that advocates and
advocacy are essential to the field of early childhood and child welfare because
I feel that all too often, the people with the most influence, resources, and
therefore power in our society, often do not understand the needs of those they
make decisions for. Advocates are the voices charged with changing this. The children
and families that are most effected by poor policy are usually also the ones
with the least amount of power in making these decisions. Becoming skilled in
advocacy and learned in how public policy is developed and implemented is
crucial in order to keep those we hope to serve at the top of the priority
lists of policy makers and stakeholders.
Part 3: What do you hope to learn
about public policy and advocacy?
I hope to learn more about the
process of creating new laws, practices, training methods, funding and resource
distribution is accomplished. When there are shifts in practice that effects
private and public programming, employment, and family participation in the
services they receive.
I also hope to gain more
understanding about how the US compares to the rest of the world with regards
to our policies on early childhood education and child welfare issues. For
example, when I studied abroad in Europe during my undergraduate studies, I learned
that they have a different, extended academic calendar for grade school
students as well as the fact that in many areas, this was more successful than
our policies here in the US.
Lastly, I aim to enhance my
understanding and capabilities of how to incorporate this knowledge into my
day-to-day professional roles and responsibilities. I hope that by the end of
my program with Walden, I will be equipped to go after positions of leadership
and management so that I may not only continue to advocate for children and
families, but also for my colleagues as our field continues to grow into a more
respected and appreciated one in society.
“We must always take sides.
Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the
tormentor, never the tormented.”
― Elie Wiesel
― Elie Wiesel
