Meet Amy McDonald, ECE advocate and foster mom champion! Her work in ECE is centered around support families and providing resources to unify families. Read more of her heartfelt story below.
Why did you become an advocate for early childhood education?
My 4 children are adopted from Missouri’s Children’s Division, their stories and the stories of my current children in my home are what motivates me to speak on behalf of all children whose lives have been impacted by abuse or neglect.
Why do you think it’s important to be advocate as a parent?
As a parent I am challenged I think weekly to come up with a solution for an issue for what my foster children or my grandson need. I know first hand what resources are available for my children. Also, I am painfully aware of the resources my area of the state lacks and the negative impact for my children and other children facing challenges.
Why should Missouri invest more in early childcare and education?
When you invest in the life of a child and family at the earliest point, you impact that family forever.
In one sentence, what does the ideal early childcare and education systems look like for families in Missouri?
My dream would be that Early Headstart would be available statewide, all children would have access to Pre-K, and that families would be able to have Home Visiting services as soon as they come home with that new infant.