For Sarintha Stricklin, Ph.D., supporting children and families is her life’s work. With three decades’ worth of experience in the education field, she has a background in supporting young children with disabilities, as well as preparing best practices for early childhood teachers. In her current role as the Executive Director of the Jefferson Ready Start Network (JRSN), Dr. Stricklin focuses on creating supportive systems for vulnerable children, in addition to shining a light on the importance of early childhood education for the whole community.
Dedicated to providing quality early childhood education programming for Jefferson Parish children from birth through age five, JRSN is a coalition of parents, educators, and members of the community. Their aim: to help the approximately 21,000 underserved children under the age of five in the parish, eighty percent of whom do not have access to early childhood education.
Dr. Stricklin recognized a common challenge for Jefferson Parish families. Because more families have both parents working, it creates a greater need for early childhood education. But how do you provide these services, as well as make sure all families know about the available programs?
As Dr. Stricklin explained, many young women with careers find it difficult to locate early childhood education, and they practically have to get on a waiting list as soon as they know they are pregnant. In many cases, this is even more difficult for lower income women, particularly those without flexible workdays.
“I wish more people knew how big the gap is between children eligible versus children served,” said Dr. Stricklin. Despite the number of economically disadvantaged children in Jefferson Parish who would benefit from early childhood education programs, there is not always adequate funding. Increasing the early childhood education services in Jefferson Parish, as well as making more families aware of their availability, is key for the JRSN team.
To help the general public and decision makers better understand this need for accessible early childhood education, Dr. Stricklin framed it as a border community issue. Although educational services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are often presented as educational issues, they are also economic and employment concerns as well. For instance, a lack of early childcare programs can make it more difficult for organizations to get employees. In fact, this can have a huge impact on the Jefferson Parish economy, to the tune of millions of dollars annually.
“This investment has an impact across the entire community,” said Dr. Stricklin. “If we start with even younger children, then there is an even higher return on investment.” Few initiatives have a similar impact.
In addition, the data shows that young children with quality early childhood education experiences are more likely to graduate high school. Meanwhile, those without the opportunity are more likely to be involved in the criminal justice system. Dr. Stricklin described it as a multiplicative effect: when some children get behind in early schooling, they have more trouble catching up academically and socially.
Lastly, Jefferson Parish is an aging parish, and many young professionals move away, citing a lack of opportunity. This includes a need for more early childhood care and education.
The Two Generational Approach to Workforce Development and Early Education program from JRSN is one of the organization’s exciting projects. They recruit young women into the childcare field, provide them with free training, and offer a seat for their own child in another classroom. In this way, the women can learn to provide quality education, receive training tied to potential college credits, and ensure their own children receive excellent educational opportunities as well.
In addition, the program offers training and support in Spanish to help build a bilingual workforce. Research showed that, despite a growing Latino population in Jefferson Parish, many of these children were not involved in early education programs. By recruiting and supporting bilingual women, they can offer these enriching educational experiences to even more children throughout the Parish.
Dr. Stricklin and the JRSN team are optimistic about their endeavors. “We know change does not happen overnight, but change can happen,” said Dr. Stricklin.
Get Involved
At this time, the Jefferson Ready Start Network team needs more exposure and supporters. Getting more people to express the importance of early childhood education to the people of Jefferson Parish is crucial to their continued growth and development. Donations are welcome as well.
Contact
jeffersonreadystartnetwork.com
