My Supports

As we develop physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually throughout life we learn to depend upon certain allies as we enter different phases in our lives. The following allies listed below have been instrumental in my day to day life as an adult.

1) My Family- throughout my life, I could and always rely on my family for emotional and mental support. Whether it’s an encouraging word after a hard/long day of work or just because, my family has always been and will always be in my corner daily. Without the love and support of my family I probably would have given up on obtaining my Bachelor's after I exceeded the 5 year mark. Thankfully my family encouraged me and supported me to stick with it and reminded me that I was too close to give up. That next semester, I earned my B.A. in Sociology!!!!

2) My Faith- From a young girl, I was taught that a strong faith in God will allow you to overcome any obstacle. On a daily basis, I trust in the Lord to see me through my day to day actions. I know without a shadow of a doubt that without my faith, I would have thrown in the towel years ago. However, whenever times get tough and I'm faced with a tough decision or time in life, I reflect on these words "I can do ALL things through Christ, who strengthens me"!

3) My Finances- of course as a young adult my finances assist me in my day to day life. If I did not have money, I would be unable to pay my rent, other house hold expenses, car note, or even put gas in my car.

4) My Co-Workers- Monday -Friday 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 pm I rely on my co workers to assist me in any endeavor concerning my job. There are only 5 of us in office and my 3 superiors have been with the organization for 5 or more years. They offer me support and advice concerning areas of the Early Childhood field that I may not be familiar or experienced in. If I did not have their support, I would basically be walking blindly into some situations. I’m truly thankful for their wisdom and guidance.

5) My Cell Phone- Yes, as crazy as it sounds, I would loose my mind without my cell phone. I don’t know anyone’s number by heart except for my mom and twin, so without my phone I would loose touch with a lot of valued people in my life. My phone also serves as my alarm clock, my watch, and my calendar. Without it I would oversleep, be late, and miss important appointments.

As I prepare to enter motherhood, I know that I will need these support systems more than ever. I’m worried that other than God, my mom, and twin that everyone else will not be “there” as they all proclaim. As of right now everyone is so ready for Ashlee to make her appearance, but I often wonder how many am I really going to be able to rely on. As far as my co workers, I hope that they will assist me and not pile too much work on me knowing that I am entering my 7 month and I will soon be on maternity leave. I’m so afraid that I will have so much work to complete when I return, and there will be no one to actually help me catch up. I know that these are factors that I should not worry about, but I can’t help but to wonder “what if”.

My Connections to Play

“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning…They have to play with what they know to be true in order to find out more, and then they can use what they learn in new forms of play.” ~ Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood)

“Play is not only our creative drive; it’s a fundamental mode of learning.” ~ David Elkind (psychologist, author)

Items that were essential to play:

 

As a child there were a number of people who supported/encouraged play throughout my childhood. Inside my home life, my mom and great grandmother encouraged play. They would limit screen time and encourage physical play through outdoor time and recreational sports. My mom would also buy my twin and me educational games. Outside of home, my teachers encouraged play especially during my pre kindergarten and kindergarten years. I can remember participating in music and movement activities, dramatic play, art activities, gross motor activities and many other forms of play.  I remember how excited I was when I learned how to jump rope or ride my bicycle. It was a feeling of success and great accomplishment.

In today's society play has changed drastically from 20 years ago when I was a small child. I have observed that most children would rather watch TV, play video games, or search the internet versus engaging in some sort of play. It’s truly sad that this generation has moved away from physical and social play. My three year old nephew would rather sit and watch wrestling than play outdoors. My five year old brother is obsessed with his hand held  PS3.  When I was a child, I would cry to stay outdoors or play with my friends. I loved to socialize with others and learn new things from them, vice versa.

Because play was such a vital and entertaining part of my childhood, I often encourage young children to partake in the wonderful world and play and all that it has to offer. As an adult, I often reflect on my days as a young child and sometimes wish that I could relive those days. It’s a wonderful feeling when you are able to take part in something that you love or you’re passionate about and that is truly how I felt about play as a young child!

Relationship Reflection

This beautiful young lady is my mom, Iris. R. Cousar. My mom has been an inspiration to me since I was a little girl. Married and divorced at young age, my mom worked two jobs, went to school, and took care of my twin and I. My mom has encouraged me immensely throughout my life, especially in my undergrad years when I wanted to throw in the towel. It's funny because now that I’m in Grad school, she says I have encouraged her to go back to school and begin working on her Master's. I know day or night, no matter the problem; I can always call on my mom for support and encouragement!!!!!

The above image (taken at 10 weeks) is of someone that I'm so in love with but have yet to meet ...my unborn child. Even though we are not set to meet until late December/early January, this little blessing has inspired and motivated me in the past 5 months more than she (I just found out on last week It's a girl!!!) will ever know. When I found out I was expecting the great news encouraged me even more to work towards my Master's. Just like my mom, I want to inspire my child to succeed and pursue her education no matter the obstacles that my come her way. I've been motivated from the start, but it seems as if now I have an extra reason to work even harder to obtain my Master's!!!!




Others whom I have a relationship/partnership with include my best friend Amber Morrision. I can call my best friend for encouragement or advice whenever it is needed. Like my mom, my best friend is  a single parent who is working hard to provide for her son. My best friend has primarily taken care of her son by herself since his entrance five years ago. Although she is focusing more on her career than completing her degree Shae has inspired me and shows me everyday that all things are possible and can be accomplished through prayer and faith. She does a wonderful with her son and I pray that I can be half the mother that Shae and my mom are!

One more person who I have a relationship/partnership with is my twin sister LaQuincia. Even though we are like night and day and fuss more than we get along, my twin has always supported and encouraged me throughout my undergrad career. She also has stated that my hard work and commitment has inspired her to continue with school, past her A.A. and she is currently pursuing her B.A. in Sociology at my Alma Mater UNC-Pembroke. It’s great to know that when someone encourages and pushed you to achieve your dreams that in turn you are actually encouraging them in return.




In my opinion and from personal experience relationships/partnerships are the glue that keeps a person or group of people together. Relationships/partnerships can be viewed as ways to encourage and help someone further advance in their life. These four relationships, in addition to many others, are important to me because they have encouraged me to continue on the path too success and to continue to strive to become the women they all know I am capable of being.

Although these relationships have yielded positive results, there can be challenges in maintaining any relationship/partnerships. Many times when you have different opinions and advice coming from various sources it can become overwhelming are somewhat difficult to take all in. However at the end of the day you realize that man of these people only have your best interest at heart.

These relationships have certainly impacted my role in the Early Childhood field. If it was not for their love, support, and encouragement I may have given up on my B.A. after not graduating on time (Spring 09, graduated Fall 2010). These relationships helped me to realize that I may have been delayed but not denied, so because of that I should continue in the pursuit of my degree. Had I not graduated, I would not have the wonderful job that I have now in the ECE field!!!

Course # 3....On the Fast Track

Hello all! Wow, I can't believe that I have successfully completed 2 graduate courses. This experience is more than what I imagined it would be and I look forward to continuing on the journey for my Masters. I hope everyone has a successful eight weeks.

When I Think of Child Development

When I think of children, I think of Dr. Seuss. So, I thought it was only fitting to search for a quote by Dr. Seuss that related to child development.

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose."

 

"You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So....get on your way!"

"The more that you read, the more things you will know; the more you learn, the more places you'll go."

 

 

Best wishes to you all in your future courses and educational journey. I have enjoyed reading and learning about you all through our discussions and blog assignments!!!!

 

 

Testing for Intelligence

As a Georgia high school graduate, I am all too familiar with standardized test and their “achievement & knowledge” measurement. At the beginning of your junior year, students take the written portion of the required Georgia High School Graduation Test, followed by math, science, and social studies later that year. This test was very controversial because there were students who were at the very top of the class who could not pass the test, which caused them to receive a “Certificate of Completion” instead of an actually diploma at their graduation. Thankfully, I passed all four parts the first time. However, this experience has led me to believe that many standardized test measure more of what a student can remember opposed to their academic achievement. Also as a former child care provider I have witnessed 3^rd graders come to the center completely stressed due to the End of Grade testing. There has been a major emphasis placed on passing this test that some children become increasingly overwhelmed and nervous and freeze up during the test. Its not that they do not know the material, but their nerves may have gotten the best of them.

A December 2010 New York Times article discussed the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). More than 5,100 students in Shanghai were selected to participate in the initial test. This test was designed by a group from Paris. Not only did students from Shanghai participate but Korea, Singapore, US, and Germany as well. The PISA featured Science, Math, and English categories.

When searching the internet, I came across a site that listed some pros and cons of standardized testing. From the pro point of view these test are highly accurate and reliable. From the con point of view this test are said to only measure what a student can remember and limits the range of topics that teachers can teach, because they mainly cover topics that are required. Children with learning disabilities such as dyslexia may score poorly on these test, which will not accurately or fairly measure their academic performance.

Top test scores from shanghai stun educators. December 7, 2010. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/07/education/07education.html

Pros and cons of standardized test. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-standardized-testing.html

Consequences of Stress on Children's Development

As a child, my twin and I were blessed to never experience any of the indicated stressors. However, there are many that children that I knew growing up and have taught experience one or more stressors in their childhood. There are two children that particularly stand out in my mind. There were two brothers that attended the center I use to work for. These innocent children experienced hunger, chaos, and violence in their home. Their mother received assistance to where they had no reason to go without food, but for some reason these poor children were not being fed properly and it was evident every time they stepped into the center.  In addition to hunger, these children witnessed physical and verbal altercations between their parents. At one point in time, the children and their mother were living in a home with 6 others and had to sleep on the floor. After the Department of Social Service began to investigate the living situation, the mother eventually moved into a place of her own and began to provide these precious children with the nutrients needed through food. It's sad that it took for the proper authorities to step in order for the mother to begin properly providing for her children. On the same note it turned out to work in the boys favor because they did begin to receive the essentials needed to thrive and develop appropriately.


One region that I am interested in learning more about is Haiti and how the development of their children has been affected by the natural disasters that have taken place over the years. Two of the most recent natural disasters are the earthquake that killed over 100,000 Haitians in January of last year and the hurricane in January of this year. As a result of these natural disasters an outbreak of Cholera has been spreading rapidly throughout Haiti. There have been many relief funds set up to provide medical supplies, clean water, and rebuild homes and communities. One fund that was of interest to me was the "Haiti Relief Fund: From Relief to Development". This fund is focused around providing education to children and youth of Haiti. Currently, the president of this important and imperative fund is in the process of building a school in a "slum" community that houses more youth than adults. In addition to the school for educational purposes, donations for medical supplies, chlorine, and clean water are being collected and needed to minimize the spread of Cholera.


http://haitirelieffund.org/haiti-relief/haiti-relief-fund/haiti_relief_development/

Child Development and Public Health

For this week's blog assignment, I will discuss Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This health topic is important to me, because as a former infant/toddler room teacher, I am familiar with importance of being educated on SIDS and ways to reduce the risk. When in my care, I had to ensure that each child under the age of 12 months were properly placed to sleep, in the proper sleeping environment. I was responsible for precious cargo and did everything that was required of me to keep those in my care safe and healthy.

When researching SIDS around various parts of the world, I noticed that many countries have been SIDS campaigns and have been vigorously working conducting studies in order to find ways to continue lower the number of deaths from SIDS. Beginning in 1987, New Zealand began a 3 year long study to determine the factors of SIDS. Research proved that factors such as sleeping position, maternal smoking, and those infants who were not breastfeed increased the risk of SIDS. In 1991, a formal campaign was launched in order to raise the awareness and reduce the risk of SIDS.


One interesting fact that I discovered was that there was committee working to conclude if there was correlation between immunization and SIDS. The committee concluded that immunizations received during infancy was not a factor of SIDS. I also discovered that Australia and New Zealand are in the process of having the name changed to Sudden Explained Death in Infancy (SUDI). The U.S. CDC is also working towards shifting the name to SUDI and having SIDS fall under this new terminology. Even though I am familar with SIDS and ways to lower risk, it does not hurt to stay informed of new developments in order to share this information with providers and parents.

Mitchell, Edwin, Brunt, Jan, Tuohy, Patrick, & Thompson John. ( 1997). Risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome following the prevention campaign in new zealand: a prospective study. Pediatrics Vol. 100 No.5. p. 835 -840

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. (n.d). Retrieved May 14, 2011 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudden_infant_death_syndrome

Almario, D., McCormick, M., Stranton, K., & Wizemann,T. (n.d.). Immunization safety review: vaccination and sudden unexplained death in infancy. Retrieved from http://sids.org/nmontharticle.htm

Special Delivery: Who Says Good Things Don't Come in Small Packages

I was not present during the birth of my godchildren or nieces & nephews, so I will share what I've been told about my birth. My twin and I were born 2 1/2 months premature. I weighed 2 lbs 8 oz and my twin was 2 lbs 10 oz. From what my mom has told us, she had to placed on bed rest and given medication to stop her from giving birth at 4 months. Because we were born prematurely, my mom said that everything happened so fast. She was not able to receive an epidural and said she was unable to hold us until her and my dad came to visit us in the hospital. Due to the fact that we were so small, the hospital where we were born was unable to care for us, so we were airlifted to a hospital 2 hours away. From my personal birth experience, I am a living witness to the role that speedy and accurate medical attention can play in premature births. Once we were released from the hospital 2 months later, we went for routine check ups at the Children's Hospital in order to ensure that we were developing appropriately.

According to the website allafrica.com, there has been a decrease in the number of maternal deaths during birth. In 2000, 750 per 100,000 births in Tanzania resulted in death. That number was down to 470 per 100,000 births in 2009. In Uganda, the number of women dying during birth was contributed to factors such as not giving birth in medical facilities, severe bleeding, and the fact that the resources for caesarian deliveries are not easily accessibly. These facts are surprising and sad.  It’s the 21^st century and women have to die while brining another life into this world, because the ability to perform a caesarian section is not available in their country.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201004190870.html

Code of Ethics

When working with children and their families there must be a set standard, which we shall all adhere by. The following  points are taken from the NAEYC & DEC Code of Ethics.


 We shall care for and educate children in positive emotional and social enviorments that are cognitively stimulating and that support each child's culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure. (NAEYC)

We shall care for and educate children in positive emotional and social enviorments that are cognitively stimulating and that support each child's culture, language, ethnicity, and family structure. (NAEYC)

To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with families we serve. (NAEYC)


We shall use every resource, including referral when appropriate, to ensure high quality services
are accessible and are provided to children and families. (DEC)

We shall demonstrate our respect and appreciation for all families’ beliefs, values, customs,
languages, and culture relative to their nurturance and support of their children toward achieving

meaningful and relevant priorities and outcomes families’ desire for themselves and their children. (DEC)

We shall empower families with information and resources so that they are informed consumers

of services for their children. (DEC) 

The above points from NAEYC and DEC Code of Ethics are meaningful to me as a professional, because I am to uphold these principles to ensure quality care/education and development of the children that I serve. I am also responsible for encouraging family involvement and keeping families informed of all resource and materials that are instrumental in the lives of their children.

Course Resources...Expanding Your Knowledge

Additional Resources

Smart Start & The North Carolina Partnership for Children
http://www.ncsmartstart.org/


The National Association of Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies
http://www.naccrra.org/


South Carolina First Steps
http://www.scfirststeps.org/


Early Childhood Care and Education: Worldwide Challenges and Progress
http://www.tc.columbia.edu/cice/Issues/11.00/PDFs/11_Zambia.pdf




Required Resources

• Video Program: “The Resources for Early Childhood” 

Part 1: Position Statements and Influential Practices

• NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/courses/56611/CRS-CW-4894980/educ6005_readings/naeyc_dap_position_statement.pdf
  
• NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on child abuse prevention. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/ChildAbuseStand.pdf
  
• NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on school readiness. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/Readiness.pdf
  
• NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on responding to linguistic and cultural diversity. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/diversity.pdf
  
• NAEYC. (2003). Early childhood curriculum, assessment, and program evaluation: Building an effective, accountable system in programs for children birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/pscape.pdf
  
• NAEYC. (2009, April). Early childhood inclusion: A summary. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/DEC_NAEYC_ECSummary_A.pdf
  
• Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. (2010). Infant-toddler policy agenda. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ter_pub_infanttodller
  
• FPG Child Development Institute. (2006, September). Evidence-based practice empowers early childhood professionals and families. (FPG Snapshot, No. 33). Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~snapshots/snap33.pdf
  
  Note: The following article can be found in the Walden University Library databases.
  
• Turnbull, A., Zuna, N., Hong, J. Y., Hu, X., Kyzar, K., Obremski, S., et al.  (2010). Knowledge-to-action guides. Teaching Exceptional Children, 42(3), 42–53.
  Use the Academic Search Complete database, and search using the article's title. 

Part 2: Global Support for Children’s Rights and Well-Being

• Article: UNICEF (n.d.). Fact sheet: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf
   
• Websites:
  • World Forum Foundation
    http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/about.php
    This link connects you to the mission statement of this organization. Make sure to watch the video on this webpage 
    
  • World Organization for Early Childhood Education
    http://www.omep-usnc.org/
    Read about OMEP’s mission. 
    
  • Association for Childhood Education International
    http://acei.org/about/
    Click on “Mission/Vision” and “Guiding Principles and Beliefs” and read these statements.

Part 3: Selected Early Childhood Organizations

• National Association for the Education of Young Children
  http://www.naeyc.org/
  
• The Division for Early Childhood
  http://www.dec-sped.org/
  
• Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families
  http://www.zerotothree.org/
  
• WESTED
  http://www.wested.org/cs/we/print/docs/we/home.htm
  
• Harvard Education Letter
  http://www.hepg.org/hel/topic/85
  
• FPG Child Development Institute
  http://www.fpg.unc.edu/main/about.cfm
  
• Administration for Children and Families Headstart’s National Research Conference
  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hsrc/
  
• HighScope
  http://www.highscope.org/
  
• Children’s Defense Fund
  http://www.childrensdefense.org/
  
• Center for Child Care Workforce
  http://www.ccw.org/
  
• Council for Exceptional Children
  http://www.cec.sped.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home
  
• Institute for Women’s Policy Research
  http://www.iwpr.org/index.cfm
  
• National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education
  http://www.ncrece.org/wordpress/
  
• National Child Care Association
  http://www.nccanet.org/
  
• National Institute for Early Education Research
  http://nieer.org/
  
• Pre[K]Now
  http://www.preknow.org/
  
• Voices for America’s Children
  http://www.voices.org/
  
• The Erikson Institute
  http://www.erikson.edu/
     

ECE Quotes

"Education is not a problem. Education is an opportunity". -President Lyndon B. Johnson.

"It will help at every state along the road to learning. For the pre-school years we will help needy children become aware of the excitement of learning"- President Lyndon B. Johnson

"Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it". -Marian Wright Edelman

" I had a built in passion that it was important to make a contribution to the world... and I wanted to do that through teaching"- Louise Derman-Sparks

"Seeing how involved my parents were, it made me want to be involved in education in general"- Sandy Escibido

LaQuasia's Childhood Web

My Aunt Vivian with my little cousin Danielle (her daughter), my twin, a childhood friend, and I

My momma, proud of her baby girl. My twin LaQuincia is also in this photograph

The woman who will always have a huge piece of my heart!!!! My Great-Grandmother Armathia Cousar Roper

Wow, it’s so many people in my life who can fit into this web, but I will pick five that were truly instrumental!!!!


My Web:
 Iris R. Cousar - my mother.
Armathia Cousar Roper- My Great-Grandmother
Vivian R. Williams- My Auntie
 Sandra Newhouse- My 3rd grade teacher
 Gertude Graham- Church member/ Elder




Let’s start with two women who mean the world to me, but are no longer with me. My Great Grandmother and my Aunt V (Vivian Williams) are two women who truly exemplify what it means to love and encourage. According to my family Grandma Mae and Aunt V feel in love with my twin and me from the moment they laid eyes on us. My grandmother was a vital part in my upbringing. My mom and dad were young when we were born, so grandmother let them have their fun and kept my twin and me from the time we left the hospital until we started school. My twin and I always joke and tell our mom and dad that we don’t even remember them the first 5 years of our lives. Of course they were there and took care of us, but honestly all I remember is waking up to my Grandma. My grandmother loved me unconditionally and always said no matter what, you will always be my baby and I will always be proud of you. My grandmother motivates me and she has been gone since 2002. When I walked across the stage in December I know that my grandmother and aunt were in heaven crying because I made them proud. Now my Aunt V was the BEST auntie in the world. Gosh, it seems like it was only yesterday when I would fly out the door, when I saw her pull in the yard. Aunt V was a true humanitarian. She had the heart of gold and would do any and everything to help someone in need. Aunt V taught me at an early age that it’s better to give than to receive and I think that phrase relates to my attitude with the children I encounter. No matter if I do not receive one thank you or a good job, I would and still will go out of my way to make sure that children are receiving the best care possible and all of the love that I could offer. So what if I didn't receive a gift on teacher appreciation day, I know that my baby's loved me and that Miss. Qua did everything in her power to ensure their success even as an infant.


Now my mom is a phenomenal woman. After marrying and divorcing at a young age my mom took EXCELLENT care of my twin and me. She made sure that we knew how to spell our name, write our name, and all other basics before going to kindergarten. She always would say "My girls were on target before walking through the door, because I was their first teacher". My mom worked full time, took care of twins full time, and went to school full time. She encouraged us to succeed, but most of all she just wanted her babies to be happy.




Ms. Newhouse was my 3rd grade teacher. I know you guys may be thinking why and how is this teacher so special. Ms. Newhouse was the first teacher who showed me what it was to love you students and go beyond the call of duty. I can remember having dinner with Ms. Newhouse and her family. We would go to movies and some days she would just stop by my house to see what we were up to. I'll never forget the last day of 3rd grade; I sat in her lap and cried because I did not want to leave her class. She promised that our relationship would not change and she kept her word. I was so sad when Ms. Newhouse stopped teaching and became a nurse. We lost contact after my mom, twin, and I moved to Atlanta, but she had a huge impact on my life and I’m so thankful for being placed in her class.

Mrs. Gertude Graham, what a sweet lady. She was my first Sunday school teacher. She loved working with us children. She was especially found of my twin and me because she said we were such sweet girls. Mrs. Graham taught me at an early age what it meant to love someone with the love of God. Even if I couldn’t stand them Mrs. Graham taught us that we should others just as Christ loved us!!!

In the Beginning/For the love of children!!!!

Graduation Dec 11, 2010

Easter 1987

Two of my favorite quotes about children are very common quotes but are nothing short of the TRUTH "Children are our future" and "It takes a village to raise a child". These two quotes kind of go hand and hand because the values, goals, and morals that we instill in our children, along with the educational oppurunties provided, shapes a childs future. By everyone working togather to raise children (parents, extended families, teachers, early childhood providers and those who work in the early childhood fields outside of the classroom) we can offer our children all of the oppurtunies that will better their futures. By children having access to a better future will bring about a positive change in the present and years to come.

One story about a child that touches my heart is the story of a little girl who touched my heart 3 years ago when she entered my classroom as a three month old infant. From the moment I laid eyes on my Mooga (I will use her nickname to protect her idenity and privacy) I feel in love. She was the cutest and happiest baby that I had ever seen. Mooga and her borthers and sister came from a drug addicted mother who often left the younger children in the care of their 10 year old sister. Mooga thrived while in my class and became a beautiful and joyful toddler. Her foster parents, along with myself. gave Mooga the unconditonal love and support that she did not recieve the first 3 months of her life. I lost touch with Mooga because she, along with her brothers and sisters, were sent to leave with family after being in foster care for 2 years but the last time I saw her she was your typical 2 year old and I will forvever love my sweet baby!!!! No matter how old she becomes she will always have a special place in my heart and will always be Miss. Quasia's baby!!!!!

Ready, Set, Go!

Hello everyone! My name is LaQuasia Cousar and I look forward to the phase of higher academia. I am nervous because my work load is so hectic, so I pray that I am able to balance grad school and work. I worked full-time and went to school full-time during undergrad, but graduate school is a totally different ball game. However, I'm up for the challenge and know that I'm doing what I have to do in order to be successful and in order to continue to make a difference in the lives of our precious children!!!!!