Professional Hopes and Goals

            The hope that I have when thinking about working with children and families is to remember my journey and what I have learned.  I will remember to self reflect on my biases when faced with families from different backgrounds to ensure that I treat them justly.  Every child and family should feel welcomed and accepted in any classroom.  Even though I do not work directly with children and families, I want to educate the providers that I work with.  I hope to give them the tools and resources to start on their journey so they are able to welcome all children and their families.  I also want to share my journey and encourage my co-workers and colleagues to do the same.  Within our Partnership we have a Family Resource Center.  The Family Support Specialists need to be able to look past their biases and stereotypes to welcome and respect the families with whom they work.

            I would like to set a lofty goal for the early childhood field in regard to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice.  My goal is that the early childhood can set the standard and lead the nation in cultural competency.  I want our field to show the nation it is possible for everyone to live, play, work, and get along without stereotypes, biases, and prejudices.  We can set the standard of how to self reflect about our feelings and social identities.  We lead the example of how to respect each other and our differences without one being better than another.  Through these examples, we can advocate to change laws and attitudes that help create one culture being better than another.  I realize this is a lofty goal but if we band together as a field and profession, it can be achievable.  Are you with me?

            I just wanted to thank everyone for sharing their thoughts and insights during this course.  I have learned from everyone.  Your experiences have touched me and will be used to fuel my fire on my journey of cultural competence.  I also would like to thank my colleagues for their words of encouragement.  Without you, I would not be where I am today, with an open heart and mind.  Thank you!