Words of Inspiration and Motivation

Two inspiring people that have a voice in the Early Childhood field, and who have definitely made a mark on children’s educational opportunities is Lyndon B. Johnson and Marian Wright Edelman. Some famous words from these icons are as follows:

Education is not a problem. Education is an opportunity

. Lyndon B. Johnson

I am concerned about the whole man. I am concerned about what the people, using their government as an instrument and a tool, can do toward building the whole man, which will mean a better society and a better world

. Lyndon B. Johnson Retrieved from (www.brainyquote.com). Lyndon B. Johnson was the founder of Head Start which was a program for children ages 3-5 that included health and dental care, mental health care, and an education to prepare them for Kindergarten. Lyndon B. Johnson formed head start in 1965, and over 560,000 across the United States were served. (www.ilheadstart.org). Marian Wright Edelman is an African American inspiration to America because she was the first woman to pass the Bar Exam in Law School. She also fought for the ending of segregation and worked hard to create the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), which serves disadvantaged Americans. She fights for abused, neglected, and poverty stricken families and children. Some of her famous works include many papers, books, speeches, and literature in which she has won many awards and honorary degrees. Some famous words from Marian Wright Edelman include:

Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it

. Marian Wright Edelman

Far less wealthy industrialized countries have committed to end child poverty, while the United States is sliding backwards. We can do better. We must demand that our leaders do better

. Marian Wright Edelman Retrieved from (www.brainyquote.com). Both of these figures have motivation, passion and wisdom in the fight for children’s rights to a better education and living condition. However, a few other important people who maintained jobs in the Early Childhood field have some words of wisdom as well: Loiuse Derman-Sparks is a Professor from Pacific Oaks College in California. She has been teaching for over 30 years. Her passion is to

create a safer, more just world for all kids

(Laureate Education, Inc. 2012). She still feels it is her lifelong passion and motivation. Sandy Escobido, is a deputy Field Director who works with Los Angeles Advocacy Initiate which is a part of the California Community Foundation. Her job is to work with parents to help them advocate for their children and learn how to have a voice in their community. Her words about her motivation are as follows:

…when I go to these parent meetings and actually see parents learning how to speak to policymakers, learning how to write letters, learning how to tell their story and share their voice, that’s what keeps me motivated, regardless of all the challenges going on

(Laureate Education, Inc. 2012). References Brainyquote.com ilheadstart.org Laureate Education, Inc. (2012). “The passion for Early Childhood”