My Supports

                                                                                                        

In my daily life I am fortunate to have many supports.  My day begins by checking my phone for any staff that may be out for the day.  I call substitutes to cover for the classrooms.  If all of the subs are being used or are unavailable, I contact a colleague to see if one of her staff can cover in the classroom.  I work with a staff of teachers, aides, foster grandparents and volunteers who do a wonderful job supporting our children in the classroom.  Teachers and aides offer suggestions when problems arise that need a solution.  They also offer suggestions when reports have been written to make ensure that all we do is documented.  I also work with three other coordinators.  Often our responsibilities overlap so we need to consult each other before moving forward on decisions that need to be made.  We share a secretary who is invaluable in researching prices for products, making phone calls to parents or partners to set up appointments, arranging for room reservations in our building for meetings, and composing letters of thanks to our 48 different partners.  I coordinate schedules with various community partners.  The assisted living facilities in turn, provide Christmas for a number of our families and provide funding for supplies we may need.  Because we are part of the Virginia Quality Rating Improvement System, we are given a mentor that works with me and our teachers to ensure the highest quality of care for our children.  We compare our CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) observation scores also to keep ourselves reliable using the tool.  William and Mary students help with projects throughout the year as well.  Right now an intern is inputting data for analysis of our curriculum.  I also work very closely with the school division who provide services for our children with disabilities.

               At home I count on our daughter and my husband to cook dinner two nights a week so that I can work on graduate school work.  My husband is retired so he makes phone calls that need to be made, takes our pets to the vet for their yearly checkups, takes recycling to the dump, does laundry, and fixes things that need repair.  My extended family also provides support for me as I work to attain my Master’s Degree.  They are so excited for me!!!  They call to see how things are going and help me to relax when I am feeling stressed.  My church family also provides support to me.  My husband has a number of health issues.  They offer to take him to the doctor so that I don’t have to take off in order to do so.  All of these supports help me to be able to do what I do.

               The issue that I have chosen to address is one that may become very relevant to me.  I live in Richmond, Virginia but travel to Williamsburg every day for work.  It is about a 45-50 minute drive.  If gas prices continue to rise above four dollars a gallon, I will have to think about relocating closer to home or working longer hours and not going in as many days a week.  If I stay at my current job, which I love, I would need the support of my boss and the Human Resources Department who would allow me to work longer days or perhaps do some work from home.  I would also need the support of my husband if I have to look for a job in education when many schools are trimming their budgets.  I would also want the support of my children and extended family.  Networking would be important.  My husband has a cousin who has been in the local school division for many years.  My church family could also help with networking.  I am on the Linked In website which could also offer some opportunities.  Partners that I work with in Williamsburg may know of job availability in Richmond.  I know some preschool directors of private preschools that might offer help as well.

 This is an issue that will require a great deal of thought, planning and strategizing with others.  The task would be overwhelming without the support of others.  Knowing that I have the support of so many, aides in any difficult situations I face.  Just knowing that I can count on these family, friends, and co-workers and partners makes any decision I have to make easier to bear.  I know I am not in it by myself.  I am truly grateful for all of the wonderful people in my life.

References

Keenan, T., & Evans, S. (2009). Theories in development. In An Introduction to child development (pp. 33-43). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.