Saturday, November 10, 2012

Children Deserve a Future



Contingent walking from LTSC
I've been working in the Child Development field for almost 8 years, as a parent, and 7 years at LTSC.  We have had a lot of successes with families in our Family Literacy program, with parents learning to speak English, gaining confidence and self-esteem, and several of our parents putting themselves out there and testifying before Commissioners at First 5 LA and School Board members at LAUSD Board meetings.  I am so proud of them, and inspired by their courage.   I have done it countless times myself, almost monthly it seems, and each time I am a shaking mess, 
We have gone to rallies, marched from Echo Park to downtown over the years, and in April this year, 55 people from LTSC, parents, children, teachers, directors and friends joined us at the march and rally to save Childcare from budget cuts with another 3,000 people who attended.  My programs were cut $200,000 last year, and this year they were cut an additional $100,000 so when they say that budgets are balanced on the backs of poor families, immigrants, and children, these are the babies, toddlers and preschoolers we work with every day.  

So, enough of my soapbox, here are some pictures of the Childcare Rally in April.  
LTSC Staff, Parents, Children!
Me and Maiya... LTSC Grace Iino Child Care Center Alumni (2005-2008)
Disa, who was Co-campaign manager for Meghan Sahli-Wells
Angelina Preschool teachers
Grace Iino staff and families
Child Development, the personal is political
Peace. Out.
NaBloPoMo12 #10
(Backblogging April 2012)

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