We are so fortunate to welcome Kayla Wallace of Hannibal as one of our new fellows this year. Kayla’s passion for early childhood education began as a parent, recognizing that not every family has the same opportunities to support early learning at home. That realization led her to work in a child care center and later help open one in her community, providing both daily care and essential educational instruction. Learn more about Kayla here!
How did you become an advocate for early childhood education?
As a parent whose first child learned to read before he was preschool age, I recognized that not every parent has the opportunity to provide that education for their children themselves. So I became committed to helping those early childhood educators provide that to those children. I began working in a center, and then ultimately helped to open one in our community that provided not only daily care but needed educational instruction.
Why do you think it’s important to be an advocate as a provider?
We are the frontline workers that bring these services to families that desperately need them. We have the power to be liaisons between families and policy makers to make sure the policy and procedures make sense for everyone.
Why should Missouri invest more in child care and early education?
These children are our future. And when we invest in them we build a foundation that is steady and secure for the future.
In one sentence, what does the ideal child care and early education system look like for Missouri families?
Affordable, dependable, and safe.
What is one thing you’ve learned about advocacy that you’d like to share with others?
If you have the ability to use your voice to help someone who can’t, don’t take it for granted.