Alecia is a mom from St. Louis who has always been a passionate advocate for children and other parents. As the co-founder and CEO of an organization that provides peer support to families on education-related challenges like Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and school suspensions, Alecia is well-versed in the ways early childhood policies shape the futures of children and their families. She has joined the ECE Leader Fellowship to share her knowledge with other parents and to network and collaborate with other stakeholders in Missouri’s early childhood landscape. Get to know Alecia here!
How did you become an advocate for early childhood education?
My advocacy journey began when my children, Martin and Princeton, were placed in an exceptional early childhood education (ECE) program. Witnessing how a strong focus on literacy and nurturing environments positively impacted their development highlighted the importance of quality ECE. This experience starkly contrasted with my oldest son’s, Ramonte’s, early education, where a lack of access to quality programs and my own limited knowledge of parental rights left us underserved. That disparity drove me to become a passionate advocate for equitable access to ECE, ensuring that all families, regardless of their circumstances, have the tools and opportunities to help their children thrive.
Why do you think it’s important to be an advocate as a parent?
Parents are their child’s first and most influential teachers, deeply attuned to their child’s specific needs and strengths. Advocacy as a parent is critical because it empowers families to demand the resources and support systems their children deserve. While no parent is perfect, being an engaged and informed advocate means prioritizing your child’s development, making sacrifices, and mending a strong foundation for their future. Advocacy also sets an example for children, teaching them the importance of standing up for their own needs and for the well-being of others. Together, parents can create a ripple effect that strengthens families and communities for generations.
Why should Missouri invest more in child care and early education?
Missouri’s investment in child care and early education is essential to maintaining thriving families and communities. High-quality ECE programs lay the groundwork for academic success, emotional resilience, and social development while reducing long-term societal costs such as unemployment and crime. Investing in these programs also directly supports working families, enabling parents to pursue career opportunities without the stress of unreliable or unaffordable care. Additionally, targeted investment in underserved areas addresses equity gaps, ensuring all children, regardless of background, have the opportunity to succeed. By prioritizing ECE, Missouri is cultivating a lighter, more prosperous future for every resident.
In one sentence, what does the ideal child care and early education system look like for Missouri families?
An ideal system offers accessible, affordable, culturally responsive, and quality care that nurtures every child’s success.
What is one thing you’ve learned about advocacy that you would like to share with others?
Advocacy is most effective when grounded in persistence, collaboration, and education. It’s important to understand that change often happens incrementally, but even small action such as raising concerns at a meeting or supporting a petition does have a meaningful impact. Building strong relationships with other parents, community leaders, and policymakers strengthens your voice and expands your reach. Most importantly, advocacy requires continuous learning by knowing your rights, understanding the systems in place, and identifying the resources available equips you to advocate with confidence and clarity. Advocacy is a collective effort, and every step forward is progress worth the sacrifice!
Any additional comments?
As the CEO of Village of Moms STL, I have witnessed how transformative access to quality, affordable early childhood education ARE TO families. Many of the families we serve are striving to achieve independence and stability but face barriers perpetuated by systemic inequities and social stigma. These challenges erode confidence and motivation, making it harder for families to engage fully in their children’s development. That’s why dismantling these barriers through equitable ECE systems is vital for children’s futures AND empowering families as a whole. Early childhood education is more than a tool for school readiness; it’s the foundation for building stronger communities, healthier families, and ALL inclusive future for Missouri. Together, we SHOULD make this vision a reality.