Quote from Deborah Leong

"Children need play in order to learn. Good, old-fashioned play - with an empty box or simple rag doll - provides something very important to later growth and development."

Quote from Edward Zigler

"The greatest enemy of children today is poverty. We're not doing enough."
"A child's experiences before age 3 are among the most important factors in healthy development. Thirty-five percent of U.S. children show up at school unable to learn optimally. For poor kids, that's probably close to 50, 60 percent. It's a tragedy because we're hurting our own children, who don't deserve this."

Quotes from 'The Passion for Early Childhood'

"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."
- Louise Derman Sparks

"I believe in a childhood that leaves you ready for optimum life experiences, and an education that opens up the world and gives the tools to ask questions and investigate."
- Renatta M. Cooper

My Childhood Web

1. Mom – I could not have asked for a better mother! She is kind, nurturing, giving, calm, everything a mother should be. I had an amazing childhood, and I have her to thank for it. She volunteered at school, was my Girl Scout leader, and showed me the importance of learning. She made holidays magical. She was there for anything I needed at any moment, and still continues to be today. We live thousands of miles away and she flies to see me 3 times a year. She is an amazing grandma to my son. She is one of the reasons I am the well rounded, caring person I am today. My mom and dad - the best parents in the world

2. Dad – I also could not have asked for a better father. He worked so hard to provide for our family and made sure we had everything we needed. He taught me to love reading, and took me to the library every week. He taught me how to play basketball in the backyard and would always play board games with me. He comes out to visit with my mom and is a wonderful grandpa to my son. He is another reason I am the well rounded, caring person I am today.

3. Grandma – She is a remarkable strong woman who raised 10 kids. Her house was always a special place to visit. She has 28 grandchildren, and she knew how to make each one of us feel special whenever we came to visit. She never forgets a birthday or holiday. She is the woman I strive to be today.

My amazing grandmother

4. Brother – My younger brother and I have a great relationship. He is a funny, caring, generous man and I am proud to say he is my brother. We had our fair share of arguments when we were younger, but overall, we got along very well. We loved spending holidays with our family and playing games together. He helped me learn how to laugh at myself today and take things in stride. My brother and I love to be silly.

5. Mr. Hartsoe – High school choir teacher – Mr. Hartsoe was my choir teacher all four years in high school. He gave 100% to all of his students and showed true love for his job. He was loved by every student in the school. He worked with me one-on-one to help me audition for the acapella choir and showed me that he believed in me. I still keep in touch with him today and I hope to make the same impression on my students that he has made on me. Mr. Hartsoe and I when he came to visit me in Vegas.

Made my heart smile!

I tutor a group of kindergartners and first graders after school and next week is our last week. I announced that to the students while they were working and one of my girls looked up and said, "I'm sad because we won't get to spend time with you everyday." I love that she looks forward to our time together.