On the road with JamesBlakeandGrace.

As my colleagues and I head to the 43 annual National Head Start conference I think about the lengthy journey that led me here.

For years, I stalled… trying to decide what I wanted to be when I grew up was just not on my agenda. I still laugh and jokingly say the adult choice was a lawyer & goof off choice B. was a DJ. Neither happened. A professor was another option stuck deep in the recesses of my brain. Looking back, I am thankful that I was encouraged to observe early childhood special education and the field of early intervention in action. You should be thankful also, Lord only knows what my version of a dj smash up might have included…

When I was introduced to early intervention at my son’s preschool in 2009, I was sold. The director of the facility encouraged me to shadow and find out more about the field that would become my passion platform. Beyond the formality of the laws and mandates, I realized the true impact of early intervention and early childhood education. Realizing I wanted to serve, advocate, & teach others how to learn was a step towards my MS and therapy certification.

My beliefs are concrete when I say that every child can learn. The ability or lack of should not distract or restrict the availability, provision, and application of educational goals and objectives. The impact of these beliefs is vital in providing a quality education that results in endless possibilities and opportunities for children and their families.

Each child is a unique individual, not a captive of a specific diagnosis, disability, or label. For this reason, I am an advocate and an early childhood special education teacher not because diagnoses make children special, but because every child IS special and deserves the opportunity to learn without boundaries. As early childhood educators and therapists it is our calling to educate the child as well as the family. This is the groundwork that will allow each family to develop advocacy skills that are crucial in navigating the education system beyond early childhood.

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It is with this being said that I applaud my fellow educators, families, and advocates who unselfishly give so much of themselves to make a difference. At some point, you strong ones lead the way paving a path as you pushed me to realize that I have made and will continue to make a difference. It would take days to thank the people who impacted my life and influenced these decisions so I will keep my list short and thank: my Little Bitty City Family, Outside the Box Therapy, Dr. Peggy Woodall, Dr. Carolyn Dyer, and Dr. Glenda Hyer, the families and children whom I have served, my colleagues, my fellow alumni at Henderson State University, my family, & Jon Terauchi for pushing me and never letting me lower the bar.

Please feel free to contact me for any information regarding Child Find, Referrals, Early Childhood Special Education, Developmental Therapy, Special Instruction, Therapeutic Listening, Therapeutic Services, Transition Planning, or Early Intervention. If I do not have the answer my colleagues and I can refer you to appropriate resources or contacts.

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Jameson’s hat: Can’t See Apparel

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Jameson’s shirt: Kell and Kate

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Blakely’s dress: Wire and Honey

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