INSPIRING WORDS

"Children benefit most from teachers who have the skills, knowledge, and judgment to make good decisions and are given the opportunity to use them." Susan Bredekamp


"Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding public servant, and a wonderful friend and colleague, Dr. Edward Zigler, who has recently retired after 40 years as a professor of psychology at Yale University.

Dr. Zigler has been a tireless advocate for children for many years, and has successfully been able to take his scientific research and apply it to society's greatest problems. Because of his expertise and his commitment to our Nation's children, he has been asked to assist every Presidential administration since the time of President Lyndon Johnson. From 1970 to 1972, Dr. Zigler was the first director of the U.S. Office of Child Development (now the Administration on Children, Youth, and Families) and Chief of the U.S. Children's Bureau.

He is a true visionary leader who has transformed national and State policies in early childhood development".        - Senator Christopher J. Dodd
                                  taken from a speech at Dr. Zigler's retirement from Yale University

"I absolutely fell in love with three and four year olds"
                                          -  Louise Derman-Sparks
"My passion now is the same as it always has"
                                           - Louise Derman-Sparks


"My passion comes from my intrinsic motivation for the work I do"
                                            -Raymond Hernandez  
"I think my passion comes from wanting to make a difference"
                                            -Raymond Hernandez

                                

 This is my Personal Childhood Web of Relationships that helped me attain Healthy Development.

From top left to right is me being loved and nurtured by my mom and dad.

The baby in the middle is me during my early childhood years. 

From bottom left to right is me being loved, nurtured and respected by my immediate family (sisters and brothers) AND my extended family--close neighbors, uncle, aunts, cousins and grandparents.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                               

 

                                                                                                           

  

This a thank you note from Cozy's mother when he graduated from PreK. Initially, Cozy showed signs of not being able to focus. He was not engaged in writing activities at all until we found a way to connect with him and as you can see below, Cozy became a very productive writer. That was a memorable moment for us all!

This is a comparison sample of
1st grade and PreK writing

• The 1st grade writing shows multiple elements                                   The PreK Writing shows
• the date                                                                                                   -  a single thought
• numerical lists                                                                                       (sorry, I couldn't rotate the
• the author's name in the middle of the paper and                                  the picture.
• multiple ideas

Teachers Make A Difference