Alyssa Morrow is an education coordinator for Early Head Start in Kansas City. She has one daughter and wants to instill in her speaking and standing up for what’s right. She’s been in the early childhood field for almost 20 years in different capacities, from infants and toddlers to second grade. We are thrilled to have Alyssa with us in our Cohort 3 of our ECE Fellowship. Read more about Alyssa below!
How did you become an advocate for early childhood education?
I’ve been teaching early childhood for about 20 years. I finally decided to stop being just frustrated by the decisions brought down and stand up and speak up.
Why do you think it’s important to be an advocate as a provider?
[Providers are] the ones on the front line with the most vulnerable. The children don’t have a voice, so the ones caring for them need to use theirs.
Why should Missouri invest more in child care and early education?
We’re educating the literal future of our state. If they miss out on these developmental skills before kindergarten, it can hinder them as they grow. We need to be providing the best care and education from the beginning.
In one sentence, what does the ideal child care and early education system look like for Missouri families?
The ideal system is a trusting partnership between everyone who has a hand in caring for children.
What is one thing you’ve learned about advocacy that you’d like to share with others?
It’s not as hard and intimidating as it sounds. The more people that speak up, the more we are seen.
Any additional comments?
I’m so excited to be able to participate with Kids Win Missouri and can’t wait to really dive in.