Blog #5-Thank You Post

The past 10 weeks have flown by quickly. I've learned a great deal about the topic of creating an advocacy action plan on how to transition from early childhood to a Pre K program. I want to thank my instructor for all he helpful ideas that she has given me throughout this course. Those ideas have greatly improved my knowledge and I realize a lot of the mistakes I was making. I would also like to thank my colleagues for all of their ideas and suggestions that they contributed to my advocacy plan throughout this course. The suggestions and ideas you had were very beneficial to my obtaining the information necessary to create my advocacy action plan. I greatly appreciate all the feedback that each of you have given me to make this course more successful. With all of your positive feedback you have given me the encouragement and confidence I needed to present my plan to my key audience. I want to thank you for all your help and wish every the best throughout any future endeavors.

Enlisting and Providing Support

Questions I may have in which I feel my colleagues may be able to provide help and support regarding my advocacy action plan and presentation are:

1. In view of my key audience, how would I incorporate into my presentation facts and documentation that could draw understanding and interests from all three members of my audience?

2. When preparing my transition booklet for my key audience, should I research and develop one for each key audience prior to incorporating the information into a main booklet?

The information that I am seeking is how to make a smooth transition from early intervention to Pre K for the children and their families.  Does anyone have any resources or helpful information available that may enhance my advocacy action plan?

Resources that I have found helpful and insightful throughout my research on how to make a smooth transition are:

1. Department of Human Services Early Intervention website: Child and Family Connections #23. Retrieved from: www.wovsed.org/cfc23

2. Education:  www.ed.gov

3. Transition to Preschool. (2009). Parents Guide Index. Retrieved from :
http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/0532/step6.htm

If anyone has any further resources that would provide me with beneficial facts that pertain to my advocacy action plan, I would appreciate any suggestions or help available.

Thank you for taking the time to read and evaluate my questions and comments!

Personal Advocacy Journey

The quote that I found inspirational "Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them" by Lady Bird Johnson (Former U.S. first Lady)(Compassion.com/child/advocacy). 

My advocacy action plan that I chose to write on was, what can early childhood educators provide children and families to create a smooth transition from early intervention to Pre K.  My inspiration came from my desire to provide the children with the most beneficial beginning in their educational future. 

One challenge that I may face is leaving out important facts or steps that would be necessary in the resource booklet for the families.

One way to overcome my challenging emotions would be to ensure that I provide all of the pertinent information gathered from qualified sources to include in my booklet for the parents. 

I can encourage others in their advocacy efforts by encouraging them to remember the reason that they were willing to become involved in their efforts and that each person's involvement actually does make a difference.  People can encourage me by providing the same encouragement and reminding me of my reasons for becoming involved and providing me with their ideas and suggestions that I can implement into my plan for my booklet.

Reference:
Johnson, Lady Bird, Famous Quotes about Children.  Former US first Lady.  website www.compassion.com/child-advocacy/find-your-voice/famous/quotes