IN THIS ISSUE:
Profiles in Leadership
Lilian Katz: Reflections
Current Early Care
and Education Initiatives
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Welcome to the Spring edition of Gateways to Opportunity quarterly
e-newsletter!
As you read this issue, I would encourage you to think about the broad
definition - and importance - of advocacy.
I challenge you to think of all the ways in which you have been an advocate for
children and families. You may have made special efforts on behalf of a young
child or family, expanded program parameters to be more inclusive at your place
of work, or shared your views of public policy or legislation with those
outside the field to help increase knowledge and understanding of the
importance of the work that we do. All of these roles incorporate education and
information sharing—other words for advocacy. In this newsletter, Joyce Weiner
and Renee Deberry are profiled as two outstanding examples of individuals who
have a direct role in advocacy through their work for public policy
organizations. I encourage you to reflect on your experiences: How have you
been an advocate? And can you expand your advocacy role, directly or
indirectly, on behalf of children and families?
We benefit from advocacy efforts of both groups and individuals in so many ways.
For example, thanks to the work of advocates on behalf of school-age children
and youth, credentials for professionals who work in this arena are now in
development. Gateways to Opportunity is currently expanding from an early care
and education professional development system to include school-age children as
well as youth. And advocates for the prevention of child abuse and neglect were
a catalyst in the selection of Illinois for participation in a 2005 pilot
program: Strengthening Families (SF). This program has moved from a pilot
project to statewide implementation under the guidance of the Illinois
Department of Child and Family Services. As you read more about both of these
initiatives in this newsletter, remember that many wonderful opportunities to
educate and inform others present themselves every day. It only takes one
individual willing to speak out on behalf of a new idea or program to increase
the probability of change.
If “advocacy” is not in your job title—or part of the organization you work
for—you may not feel that you are an advocate for children and families.
Challenge yourself to think about advocacy in broader terms: There are
opportunities to advocate at both a personal and professional level. And all
of us work directly and indirectly as advocates for what we believe in—children
and families.
Thank you for your advocacy efforts on behalf of all children and families!
Joni Scritchlow and
Gateways to Opportunity Professional Development Team
Articles:
Read profiles of Joyce Weiner and
Renee Deberry, professionals who work in the field of early care and
education public policy and advocacy.
Lilian Katz shares “Reflection Points” for directors, teachers, family child
care providers, home visitors, school-age care providers, teacher and parent
educators, and advocates for children and families.
Learn more about the Strengthening Families Initiative (SFI) in Illinois and
the Illinois School-Age and Youth Credential (I-SAY)
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