Opportunities

by Ilecia Buckner, 2018 OCDEL Policy Fellow

When they come, don’t stop and stare

Grab a hold of the ones you hold dear

Destiny awaits before your eyes,

Whether you see it or not, don’t be surprised

I have the opportunity to walk with destiny, my friend

And destiny’s cousin, opportunity, met me in the end

I hold the OCDEL Fellowship as an opportunity that destiny hooked up

I hold the OCDEL Fellowship more than just pure luck

I am meeting new people, envisioning new places, seeing new things

I am learning about new endeavors, new projects, new ways to make WINS!

In a field I hold dearly in my heart, in a field where little lives make their start

My colleagues, my mentors, my agency, my state,

Has surrounded me with new knowledge that will help me continue in this fight for ECE’s place,

In a world that didn’t know it or see its value that well

Now it’s my time, it’s our time, OCDEL fellows to make a pitch that will sell

We are selling this to our neighbors, family, and friends

We are selling this to our schools, child cares, and centers

We are selling this to our legislators; federal, local, and state

We are selling this to our families, if they start now it won’t be too late

For their little ones to grow, develop, and learn

For their parenting skills to flourish, get better, developmental successes earned

For their communities to see what quality early childcare can produce

For their hopes and dreams to come alive from the help of the early learning crew

Take a look, take a look, take a look at the walls

Take a look, take a look, take a look through the halls

Look at Sally’s painting

Look at Maria’s “a”

Look at Kevin’s house of blocks

Look at Doa’s pretend play

Listen up, listen up, listen to what they say

Listen up, listen up, listen as they play

Listen to Sally tell her teacher how she feels

Listen to Maria tell her friend how she likes her meal

Listen to Kevin count from one to ten

Listen to Doa sing as all his friends join in

This is what we see and this is what we hear,

When we tune into ECE learning throughout the year

These amazing feats coming from classrooms

Equipped with talented staff,

Who put everything they have into making changes that last

In little minds, in little hearts,

Present, now

Future, later

Thanks for all involved

OCDEL, parents, teachers, fellows, advocates, legislators, directors, trainers

Opportunity has knocked for all involved

Opportunity meets destiny for me!

Opportunity meets destiny for ECE!

Raising My Voice for Early Learners

by Tiffini Simoneaux, 2018 OCDEL Policy Fellow

In my role as the Early Childhood Manager in the Mayor’s Office of Pittsburgh I have the privilege of being able to advocate on behalf of children, families and child care providers in the City.  I recently two opportunities to speak publicly about the need for increased investments in Early Childhood Education on a radio segment as well as at a House Democratic Policy Committee Hearing. I have to admit that public speaking makes me very nervous and is a something that I am continually working on.  I am much more comfortable in front of a class of toddlers or preschoolers than I am being in a room full of adults and elected officials! But my background of having worked as both a teacher and as a Director in high quality early childhood programs pushes me to continue to challenge myself. Because of my former positions I know first-hand the transformative effect that high quality early learning opportunities can have on children. I also know that there are many children in Pittsburgh and throughout the Commonwealth who lack access to quality early learning experiences.

The OCDEL Policy Fellowship has been invaluable to my understanding of work being done at the state level and helps to inform the messages that I share. Just an example of what I have learned so far, before beginning the Fellowship I didn’t have a firm understanding of how the Pennsylvania Department of Education was structured. I look forward to continuing to learn about OCDEL as well as from my peers in the Fellowship. I know that participating in this opportunity will help me grow as a leader as well as a public speaker.

 

WESA Interview

PA House Democratic Policy Committee Hearing on Quality Education