News

Courtney Parker, a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Head Start/Early Head Start mother,

admits to being highly engaged with the learning and schooling of her four girls. However, the Belleville woman was not expecting to advocate for Head Start parents across the state. 

Parker was chosen to participate in the Illinois Head Start Association (ILHS) Parent Ambassador Program. Ambassadors will learn the basics of advocacy, speaking skills and how legislation is crafted. Ambassadors will also participate in developing policy proposals and the IHSA advocacy agenda. 

“I was surprised when I learned I had been selected,” said Parker. “I believe I was chosen, because I’m very passionate about my children’s education, and I love trying to help others when they need it.”

Parker is the mother of Londoynn, 8; Brooklynn, 4; Kourtnii, 2; and Peytynn, 1. Brooklynn attends the SIUE Belleville Head Start/Early Head Start Center. Kourtnii and Peytynn are enrolled with Head Start’s Home-Based program. Brooklynn was also a Home-Based Head Start student.

“Courtney is a go-getter,” said Kathy Cotton, SIUE Home-Based instructor who taught all of Parker’s girls. “She is determined to do whatever it takes to make sure her children do well educationally. She does a lot of volunteering in the classrooms and enjoys going on Head Start field trips.”

“I expect her to be an excellent parent ambassador,” continued Cotton. “She’s outspoken and wants to see things improve. She’s given us several great suggestions on increasing parent participation.”

A longtime Head Start/Early Head Start parent, Parker reflected on the significance of the program and its teachers.

“I chose to put my child in Head Start in 2012, when I was a new mother. I wasn’t aware of the learning tools I needed to make sure my first daughter was receiving what she needed at her age,” explained Parker, who is considering studying for her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential “I looked up information on the program and was immediately interested. I fell in love with the program even more, when I met my Home-Based teachers. They were kind and helpful. They were always there when I needed them, even if it was just to talk. To this day, I have the same teachers visiting my daughters, and I love it.”

The SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start program serves more than 1,300 families and youth from birth to age five (including children with special needs) in St. Clair County. The program includes 14 early childhood centers, seven managed directly and seven collaborations. Services include a rigorous school readiness comprehensive program that includes educational programs for family members, and health and dental screenings.

Photo:
Courtney Parker, SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start mother, was selected as an Illinois Head Start Association Parent Ambassador. Her children from left to right: Kourtnii, 2; Londoynn, 8; Brooklynn, 4; and Peytynn, 1.