Inspiration from Leaders in the Field

"Progress depends on the choices we make today for tomorrow, and on whether we meet our challenges and protect our values. We can start by doing more to support parents and the job they have to do."

"And we have learned that to raise a happy, healthy and hopeful child, it takes a family, it takes teachers, it takes clergy, it takes business people, it takes community leaders, it takes those who protect our health and safety, it takes all of us.

Yes, it takes a village."
~Hillary Clinton, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 1996

 

 

 

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"Children benefit most from teachers who have the skills, knowledge, and judgment to make good decisions and are given the opportunity to use them."

"We are decision makers. As adults caring for children, it is our responsibility to seek out and intentionally plan the best opportunities for children that support their over-all well being and healthy development. Developmentally appropriate practice, commonly known as DAP, is a comprehensive educational perspective that supports optimal healthy development for every child. Understanding DAP - its meaning and intentional practices - is essential in guiding the decisions we make for young children".
~Susan Bredekamp, Ph. D

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"I felt like everything in me was being call on to teach."
~Louise Dermon-Sparks, on passion, motivation and commitment

 

 

Making a difference may sometimes be helping one child be able to be successful in the classroom."

~Raymond Hernandez, MS Ed, on passion, motivation and committment

The Love I Felt as a Child

My family was small, but full of big love. 

My Dad:
A huge heart and with a quiet strength, my Dad gave me a sense of gentleness and creativity.
He provided me with a respect for family and history, knowledge of technology, and the gift of words and pictures.



My Mom:
A hard-working LPN and then RN, my mom showed me an enormous amount of love when I was a child.
She cooked family meals, shared great music with us, and taught us about her beautiful hometown in Michigan.

My Little Brother:
He has shown me unconditional love since before I turned two years old.  He has a heart full of kindness, humor, and generosity.  He's been my best friend and was by my side through all of my childhood ups and downs.

 



Uncle Steve:
We had a strong connection that carried over into my adulthood.  He loved me with all his heart and made sure I knew it.  He extended that love to my husband and daughters, making us all feel special.  We miss him every day!

Images and Words

I believe education is a set of keys not a closed door, a road map not a finish line, and a question not an answer.

 

A self portrait taken today.

 

I loved this book as a child.  Natasha and Rosie play with old quilts in the attic on a rainy day,
imagining all of the ways the quilts could transform them.  I think it taught me about true treasures,
creative thinking, and being gentle with siblings.

Foundations in Early Childhood

I will be utilizing this blog for the Foundations in Early Childhood course over the next eight weeks.