Passion, Motivation, and Wisdom

Louise Derman-Sparks

Professor Emeritus

Pacific Oak College, CA

"I have the passion to make sure all children are taught in environments and ways that truly nurture their ability to grow and develop to their fullest ability"

Health & Well Being: Hillary Rodham Clinton

"No government can love a child, and no policy can substitute for a family's care. But at the same time, government can either support or undermine families as they cope with moral, social and economic stresses of caring for children."
~Hillary Rodham Clinton

"All of us have to recognize that we owe our children more than we have been giving them."
~Hillary Rodham Clinton

Early Head Start: William J. Clinton

"I still believe in a place called Hope, a place called America."

~BILL CLINTON, speech at Democratic National Convention, August 29, 1996

Clinton Signs Bill on Head Start to Push Quality Over Quantity

October 28, 1998| From Associated Press

"WASHINGTON — President Clinton signed legislation Tuesday directing that a greater portion of federal Head Start money be used to improve quality in the popular preschool program rather than to expand its enrollment.
The law also creates a five-year test program allowing about 50,000 low-income families to save for a first home, college, or business start-up, with each dollar they save matched by the federal government. The so-called individual development accounts come with a $125-million price tag."
~Los Angles Times

Personal Childhood Web

Mom: My mom is one of the most important people in the world to me. I have also had a very special bond with my mom. I was an only child for the first 8 years of my life and my mom did everything in her power to make sure I was a happy child and never felt lonely. My mom has taken care of me in so many different ways. From clothing, shelter, and food to love, nurturing, and everlasting support. I know no matter what happens in my life and no matter what I do, even though sometimes I'm not very proud of it, my mom will be there to encourage, love, and support me. I feel as a grown up today I have inherited a lot of my mom’s values that will be instilled in me forever.

Dad: My dad is an extremely special person. He is extremely selfless and always made sure our family was taken care of before him. My dad is one of the hardest workers I know and has thought me the value of hard work. I would say I definitely get my work ethic from my dad. I would also say I get my stubbornness from my dad as well. I refuse to give up on anything until I feel like it has been completed to beyond my satisfaction. My dad has taught me to be proud of myself and my accomplishments.

Aunt Helena: My Aunt Helena is my mom's youngest sister. Growing up she lived in a different country and when she would come to visit me I would always love it. I can remember playing Barbie dolls, and dress up with my aunt. Even though she was much older than me she was kind of like the sibling I did not have. I remember crying hysterically when she would leave to go back home. When I was about 14 my aunt moved to Maryland, we have a very strong relationship which will continue forever.

Sheldon: Is my dad's nephew and my god father. Growing up I wasn't too close with him because he was in high school/ went away to college. I can remember special occasions such as Christmas and my birthday where Sheldon would always make an appearance and bring me a special present. The older I get the close Sheldon and I have become.

Matthew: This is my little brother. When he was born I was extremely jealous and upset that the spotlight was finally taken away from me. Sharing the spotlight was something I was not at all used to doing and resented my brother for it a little. We were never really that close when we were younger due to such a large age gap. When my bother started to get the age where we could start to bond I was in high school and then went away to college. Now my brother is a junior in high school and I am finding the older he becomes the more common ground we are finding. I am looking forward to the future in hopes we can move beyond just brother and sister and consider each other good friends.

A Child's Drawing

The above drawing is from my co-workers daughter. She is 2 years old and this is her first year in an organized pre-school setting. I love how she tried to place her hands in the vicinity of where turkey’s feathers would be place. I also love how she didn't stay in the lines of the turkey while she was coloring.

Favorite Quote about Children

"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today."  ~Stacia Tauscher

I choose this particular quote because I feel like there is a lot of emphasis on young children today on trying to mold them into becoming the "perfect adult" of tomorrow. Every time I read this quote it helps remind me to focus on what makes them special now, and motivates me to individualize for each child on a style of play and learning that will contribute to their special qualities.

The Childhood Book I Love...

My favorite childhood book is with out a doubt, "Where the Wild Things Are". I love this book because it allows children to explore the world of imagination and creativity. It enables children to dream outside of the box and express themselves through dramatic play and other areas of self expression.

New to the blogging world

This is my Early Childhood Education blog. I am excited about collaborating and learning with my fellow classmates. I am new to the blogging world and a little nervous, but eager to learn!