Crystal is a Center Supervisor/Family Advocate from Kirksville, Missouri. Crystal works for Community Action Partnership of NE Missouri and has also raised 9 of her own children. Learn more about Crystal below!
How did you become an advocate for early childhood education?
I moved to Northeast Missouri in 2012. Shortly after moving here I was referred to the Community Action Agency to enroll my child into their Head Start program. During the enrollment process the Family Advocate asked me what I did for work back home. I explained to her that I drove a bus for special needs for 10 years as well as worked as a paralegal in a civil/family law firm. Long story short I have been working for CAPNEMO on and off since. I started out as a bus aide in Schuyler County but knew I wanted to do more within the agency. I am currently a Center Supervisor/Family Advocate for an Early Head Start and CAPNEMO’S Transportation Manager, and I continue to educate myself so that I can better assist my community and the families within it.
Why do you think it’s important to be an advocate as a provider?
Being an advocate as a provider is super important as we understand the strengths and needs within our communities. As a provider, we are building supports, creating awareness, and passing on the knowledge to our families to not only help them be the best they can be, but to help guide the well-being of their children. We are helping in building the future of our society, and as a provider, it is our commitment to advocate for our children and families so they have the opportunities to help themselves and improve their community.
Why should Missouri invest more in child care and early education?
I believe Missouri should invest more in child care and early education because learning and shaping the minds of our children starts after birth. Currently we do not have enough affordable, quality child care or early childhood education programs. I believe every child deserves to have the opportunity to be as knowledgeable and successful as they can be because they are the world’s future. We as educators need to advocate for our children so they can gain the exposure to any and all education that they can in order for them to develop skills.
In one sentence, what does the ideal child care and early education system look like for Missouri families?
A system that provides meaningful employment and affordable, quality child care to the families of our communities to help them better their lives.
What is one thing you’ve learned about advocacy that you’d like to share with others?
One thing I have learned about advocacy is that we do not have enough resources or support in rural communities for special education. However, I have also learned that we have some real dedicated heroes that advocate for not only special education but all types of education. Those heroes are a true inspiration to me.
Any additional comments?
Being an advocate for early education is a passion for me especially for the special education side of it. As a mother of nine children and having children with different special needs, I have had to step up for them and be their voices. Now I can help guide others to do the same to the best of my ability. I believe it’s all about different abilities not disabilities and that is the motto that I choose to live my life by.