Becoming A Young Mother
I had my first baby in the 12th grade. I was a responsible young woman who took her education seriously, so many people in my life couldn’t believe I’d become pregnant before I had a chance to follow my dreams. I always knew I would prove them wrong, but I wasn’t sure how. Early childhood education services would play a significant role in accomplishing my goals.
There was a long road ahead, but I was determined to succeed. My child’s father wasn’t in the picture. My mom allowed me to stay in her household but it was crystal clear that this was my child. She was not going to be held responsible for anything to do with my son, physically or financially.
When I got pregnant, I worked at McDonald’s, but soon after I got a second job as a nanny. I was sixteen, pregnant, and working two jobs.
Determination
I adapted quickly. My son became my whole world, and my focus and drive reached new heights. When he was born I went on a six-week leave from school and completed my schoolwork at home to ensure that I graduated on time. At the time, I was just like a train. I was on one track and nothing could prevent me from reaching the destination station.
After the six-week leave, I had no option but to enroll my son in child care and return to school. I would get up at five in the morning, get both of us
ready, drive to the busway, catch the bus downtown, drop him off at child care, and be in my high school homeroom by 7:30 a.m. I was never late, not once.
Trusting My Childcare Center
Quality child care has been life-changing for me. It made all the difference in my ability to finish high school. I was so thankful that the child care workers were caring and endearing because I don’t know what I would have done if I had to worry about my son’s well-being and my studies. They sent me daily reports that allowed me to keep up with his progress, informing me about bottle-feeding, what books they read to him, and what games they played. Their care and support comforted me as he continued through child care into preschool, and I continued my educational journey as well.
I graduated high school on time and went straight into a nursing program at Duquesne University. By this time, I lived on my own in a one-bedroom apartment, more like a studio. My son’s crib was positioned next to my bed. It was tight, but we made it work. It was perfect for us going into a new chapter, ready to take on the world. During my early years of college, I was thankful for the help of the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) and the welfare office, because they helped me pay for child care and feed my little family. I formed a study group and was enthralled by the curriculum. The first semester went by seamlessly, and I thought I was on my way.
Changing Course
The next semester, I had to start clinicals. This is when nursing students receive hands-on experience in medical facilities. Clinicals could start as early as 5 a.m. and can run as late as 7 p.m. And the schedule could change at any time. Unfortunately, anything outside the 6 a.m – 6 p.m. child care schedule was not an option for me. At a crossroads, I was faced with changing my career path due to being a mother with limited hours of child care. It was a stressful time. I was carrying the weight of career decisions, and rushing from classes to pick up my son each day. But when I entered the child care center, I was always filled with joy. Seeing the bright decorations on the walls of the center; the kind and caring teachers; and the children thoroughly enjoying each other’s company in organized play, I knew what I needed to do–enter the field of education.
I felt confident with my decision and even experienced a bit of comfort. Over the next few years, I pursued a degree in education, gave birth to a second son, and proudly watched my babies growing up. My oldest son graduated from preschool and entered elementary school with an abundance of knowledge. He was familiar with his letters and numbers, had acquired social skills from group activities, and knew how to be respectful in a structured classroom with one or two lead teachers. Many children who enter elementary school without this foundation aren’t prepared to handle what’s required in that setting.
Assistance and Impact
I was fortunate to receive resources and funding. ELRC assistance allows children to receive support, which prepares them for a more positive educational experience, and it empowers single moms and families who are working to provide stability at home. I have seen firsthand the positives of early childhood education through the eyes of a parent and the eyes of an educator. I’ve learned that manners, values, interventions for speech and behaviors, household interventions, and educational baselines can all be established at a young age and change a child’s entire life.
As early childhood educators, we are responsible for much of the learning a child experiences that shapes them into the adults they will become. As parents, trusting the skills of the child care center is paramount to creating an all-around support system so that children can thrive. If you’re invested in the future of our children I encourage you to explore the job opportunities available to early childhood educators and the resources available to families who need support. I am thankful that both of my children have benefited from early childhood education, and that I found a home in it myself.