Early childhood education has
become an important topic of conversation because of the lead tainted water and
so many children being exposed to the water. There are programs being offered
at many different institutions where these programs have not been offered
before. The concerns of many is getting enough qualified teachers to teach
fulfil the need. Finding one qualified lead teacher has been challenging. There
has been talk of developing the para-professionals and extending their training
to fill in the gaps. However, with every good idea comes the problem of
funding. While there has been grants and government help, it is not enough. Many
parents of the children who were exposed to the lead tainted water are grateful
for the opportunities for their children to get the extra help. Many professionals
report they are starting to see behaviors in the children who have higher lead
levels.
The area colleges in Flint, MI
have offered classes at reduced rates for those who can qualify. There have
been free trainings for teachers and educators offered at Genesee Health
Systems and throughout the community. There has also been a group coalition of professionals
from multiple disciplines who come together and brainstorm about opportunities
and how to help the children with high lead levels.
Some of my professional goals
are to provide as much support and knowledge as I can to help the children in
Flint, MI. After I complete this certificate program, I do not see myself going
into a classroom; as I am nearing retirement age. However, I have consulted and
participated in the coalition of professionals to see how I can help make a
difference. I will continue to do so. My hopes and dreams would be to know that
all of the children who were exposed to the lead water recover 100% and go on
to live healthy and happy lives. I also hope the water lines will all be
replaced so that this does not happen to any more children. I know our mayor is
working hard to get the funding for this huge project. Some of the challenges
that I see is money. Our governor does not want to pay for the replacement of
the pipes in the city. That is an ongoing debate. While they are debating, many
families are still living on bottled water. There has been some progress but we
still have a long way to go. We continue to fight for what is right!
