Amanda is a mom, a home visitor, and a doula from Salem. On top of navigating the journey of raising her own young children, Amanda has committed herself and her career to helping other parents have access to high quality maternal and early childhood health and preventative services. Through the ECE Leader Fellowship, Amanda has continued to develop her advocacy and leadership skills to bring back to her own community. Get to know Amanda here!
How did you become an advocate for early childhood education?
As my friends and I started having children, we all found out the limitations and difficulties surrounding childcare and early education.
Why do you think it’s important to be an advocate as a parent?
It’s difficult to understand what parents are going through, unless you are in the thick of it. Often the people making policies and budgets are long-since done with early childhood issues, and the world may be a different place than it was when they were going through it.
Why should Missouri invest more in child care and early education?
Missouri is ranking near the bottom of SO many issues – education, maternal mortality, infant mortality, poverty… Investing in our children gives them a better chance at having a healthy, supported, successful life. If we want to improve conditions for our entire state – we need to start at the beginning.
In one sentence, what does the ideal child care and early education system look like for Missouri families?
Missouri families need affordable, quality childcare options.
What is one thing you’ve learned about advocacy that you’d like to share with others?
You can’t assume that others understand, or even know, the struggles that families face. Share your stories, so others can understand.