Danielle is a mom and advocate from Kirksville. Danielle has firsthand experience trying to navigate our state’s childcare system and has built community with other moms dealing with similar issues. She recognizes her powerful voice as a parent who is currently raising a young family in the state and plans to use it to build other moms’ capacities to advocate as well. Get to know Danielle here!
How did you become an advocate for early childhood education?
I use a local, private babysitter who I was lucky to find through a church friend. The same friend also uses her and also invited me to a local meeting for Kids Win Mo in Adair County to discuss our struggle to find reliable childcare in our community. We both understood the importance of our contributions, and I decided to jump on the opportunity to move further with this cohort.
Why do you think it’s important to be an advocate as a parent?
As parents we are in the thick of it; we fully understand the financial restraints and work schedule problems that arise with reliable childcare, as well as the difficult availability options.
Why should Missouri invest more in child care and early education?
It’s been said time and time again, but our children are our future, and if we are not investing in them we are not investing in our state, country, or humanity in general.
In one sentence, what does the ideal child care and early education system look like for Missouri families?
No waiting lists, childcare subsidies, and enough seats.
What is one thing you’ve learned about advocacy that you’d like to share with others?
Every story and every struggle matters.
Any additional comments?
Excited to make a difference!