Final Preparations

Questions I have for other advocates would be what type of plan anyone has for negative feedback. I have really been thinking about all possible situations when presenting my information and I believe it is important to think about those people who may not see any value in this work, or not agree with my ideas at all. Some may even have negative things to say, I mean I do not hope for this at all. I am working to prepare and hopefully provide enough information that the audience is all excited and moved to take action with me in this cause. I hope everyone feels so strongly about the need for teacher trainings that they recommend more or offer to help fund addition trainings beyond what I am actually asking for however; there is the possibility that they do not see the need. I guess my question is then what; does anyone have any ideas or recommendations about how they plan to handle this type of rejections? Does anyone have a good plan in place if something like this happens? The resources and information I am seeking is information on Early Childhood Assessments and how they affect early intervention. I am also seeking information about what to look for in assessments and what to look for when a child may be in danger of needing intervention. One resource that I found to be helpful is Guide to Assessment in Early Childhood. This website is a guide on assessment in early childhood and the information provided in this guide is designed to be used in programs that serve young children with and without special needs, including English language learners, youngsters with economic and developmental risk factors, and those developing typically from birth to eight years of age Another resource that I found to be helpful is called “Results Matter.”This website provides videos have been produced to help providers better understand ways to use observation, documentation, and assessment to inform practice. This website also provides learning videos for parents as well. A third resource I found was called “Early Childhood Special Education.” This website features The Early Childhood Special Education program that locates, identifies and provides specialized services to students three through five years of age with disabilities ranging from mild to severe and profound. A Guide to Assessment in Early Childhood Infancy to Age Eight. (2008).pdf file. http://www.k12.wa.us/EarlyLearning/pubdocs/assessment_print.pdf The Colorado Department of Education. Results Matter. (1999-2008). Improving Academic Achievement. http://www.cde.state.co.us/resultsmatter/RMVideoSeries.htm OSES. Office of Special Education and Support. (2010) Retrieved from Chicago Public Schools. http://www.cpsspecialeducation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1541&Itemid=541

A quote that I found inspirational regarding the role that advocacy can have in the lives of young children and families was; “Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world...would do this, it would change the earth.” ― William Faulkner •What inspires and excites you most about your advocacy plan and being an advocate? What excites me the most about my advocacy plan is all of the all of the families that I will be able to help in possibilities there are to help in the Assessment of children so that they can get the proper Intervention that they may need. As early as possible. What excites me the most about being an advocate is the thought of me making a difference? •What challenges and/or anxieties do you feel related to engaging in the advocacy efforts you have targeted? The challenges I feel related to engaging in my advocacy efforts I have targeted are to find enough time to train all the new employees and re-train the not-so-new ones. Another challenge would be to incorporate a way to know how much an employee knew about doing Assessments. •What do you believe will be most effective in helping you overcome any challenging emotions you may be feeling with regard to presenting and implementing your Advocacy Action Plan? I believe that the most effective way of overcoming any challenging emotions I may be feeling about implementing my Advocacy Action Plan would be to just do it. Make the time to train the employees. •How can you encourage others in their advocacy efforts, and how can others encourage you I would say, “Just know through all your hard work, perseverance, struggles, and successes that you are truly making a difference in children’s lives.”