175. Championing Equitable Early Childhood Education with Danielle D. Jordan

Think about the tremendous growth and learning that happens during the first five years of a child's life. These years are a foundation for future success, yet there's often a gap in resources and support.

 

Thankfully, in a world where government funding for early childhood education often falls short, there are still many out there advocating for comprehensive educational support. 

 

This week on the podcast, I’m talking with Danielle Jordan, a 20-year educational leader who supports youth in the Chicago area. We discuss the challenge of expanding universal pre-K programs to include essential services for children aged zero to three years old and why early childhood education goes beyond mere babysitting, playing a pivotal role in developmental learning.

 

Everyone should be proactive advocates for increased funding and equitable access to quality education and Danielle shares how to empower parents through engagement and committees and highlights parents’ role in supporting their child's educational journey. 

 

About Danielle D. Jordan:

Danielle D. Jordan, M.S., M.A. Ed., Director, oversees the implementation of our early childhood program at the Start Early’s Educare Chicago school in the Grand Boulevard community. With more than 20 years of experience, Danielle supported early childhood teachers and support staff with planning, coordinating, and implementing education programs. Ms. Jordan holds several credentials, certifications and licensures in the field of Early Childhood Education along with a master’s degree in Child and Family studies from Northern Illinois University and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with an endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education from University of Illinois at Chicago. Danielle has held various positions within the early childhood development field. She continues to be an advocate for quality early childhood education.

 

Jump in the Conversation:

 

[1:17] - Where Danielle's journey began

[3:59] - How Danielle's personal experience ignited her passion for early childhood development

[5:45] - Understanding the importance of Head Start and its impact on families in need of assistance and support

[10:06] - Wraparound services offered by Headstart 

[16:13] - “Grow your own" approach

[20:51] - Maintaining eligibility criteria and supporting families as they transition in and out of the program

[23:46] - Challenges of finding affordable quality child care 

[26:15] - The role of universities in training future educators and advocates for early childhood education

[30:58] - Advocating for early childhood education

[34:12] - Turbo Time

[36:48] - A powerful message about understanding and respecting the rapid development of children aged zero to five

[43:41] - Danielle’s Magic Wand

[45:21] - Maureen’s Takeaways

  Links & Resources

 

Email Maureen

Maureen’s TEDx: Changing My Mind to Change Our Schools

The Education Evolution

Facebook: Follow Education Evolution

Twitter: Follow Education Evolution

LinkedIn: Follow Education Evolution

EdActive Collective

Maureen’s book: Creating Micro-Schools for Colorful Mismatched Kids

Micro-school feature on Good Morning America

The Micro-School Coalition

Facebook: The Micro-School Coalition

LEADPrep