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My View - Rhonda Roach, Public Policy Chair, NCSACC
On a sunny fall morning, I received a call from the in-coming North Carolina School Age Care Coalition (NCSACC) President asking me to consider the position of Public Policy Chair.
Who me? Are you serious? was my response!
What on earth did I know about public policy? My heart was beating a wildly innocent beat that could only be compared to the excitement of a small child with a new toy within their reach.
I listened attentively to the description of Public Policy Chair. Meetings, travel, becoming aware of school age issues, keeping every board member abreast of the issues and the current events all sounded so simple.
However, I had so much to learn. Would I ever just get it? I had my doubts.
Now going into my third year as Public Policy Chair for NCSACC, I realized that I did know much more than I was willing to admit. But most importantly, I needed to make it my personal mission to share with ANYONE that will listen issues surrounding school age care.
One Voice Does Count
If you think that one voice does not make a difference then I challenge each of you reading this to commit to proving yourself wrong.
Many of you will remember almost four years ago when the Star Rated License was on its way to law. The North Carolina Day Care Commission held public forums all across our state, seeking input from providers on the purposed regulations.
Enrolled in the North Carolina Early Childhood Administration Credentials at that time, presented a challenge to me to be able to attend the Raleigh meeting. Some deep desire drove me right to my instructor's side to inform her that I would not be in class that particular day due to my need to attend the public forum. How was I to know that the whole class would attend as a learning experience to hear me speak?
What Had Pushed Me?
In the purpose regulations, experienced child care providers were not permitted to count actual working experience if they did not hold a college degree of some sort. Having directed a center with a top-notch quality staff, many without college degrees, including myself, I knew the importance of hands on experience.
Not all book learning was practical for early childhood programs without the individual having some sort of hands on experience.
I was at risk of not receiving credit for the 18 years I had spent learning all that I possibly could about the world of early childhood.
Could I really go to sleep each night knowing I had done absolutely nothing to share my thoughts and opinions? Could I honestly fuss and complain, knowing I had not made a stand for myself and many others?
The Trip
I remember feeling very panicked on the trip to Raleigh. Was I really going to be able to do this? Could I really stand before the North Carolina Day Care Commission and speak my heart?
As my co-worker encouraged me, I signed up to speak. Having arrived at least an hour before time, I went over my notes what seemed like a hundred times.
There are advantages to arriving early. But this time, it seemed to be my downfall. My palms were sweaty, my legs felt weak, and if there were a thousand butterflies in my stomach, well, there were ten thousand.
I was third on the roster of speakers. Oh my goodness.
Creating A Monster!
There were many providers and parents in that room that day. The rush of adrenalin that pumped through my veins when my name was called was undoubtedly one of the most remarkable feelings that I have ever experienced.
As I stood before that microphone with my knees trembling, I began to speak. Who was that talking? I remember wondering. Was that my voice?
Quivering, shaking, and somewhat weak I began my campaign. Would I be able to reach the Commission members?
I found as time went on that I became more confident, my voice grew stronger and there I stood challenging all the Commission members to come to Union County to observe my staff and attempt to pick out the ones with the four-year degrees.
What A Feeling!
What a feeling it was when the new purposed regulations were received and the education component had been changed. The Commission had heard our voices. They had felt our plight. We had succeeded.
And then it hit me; I had a part in the policy change. A light bulb went off in my heart. And it has yet to burned out.
I realized then that the work we do everyday has a tremendous part in determining public policy. Those of us in this profession are responsible for communicating our successes and challenges and bringing public awareness to our cause.
If I can be of any help to anyone in the School Age Care (SAC)/Out-of-School Time (OST) profession or any other profession interested in SAC/OST please do not hesitate to contact me.
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Rhonda Roach is the Administrator for the After School Program within the Union County Public Schools system in Monroe, North Carolina. Currently, she oversees 18 elementary after school programs serving approximately 1,100 children.
Roach says serving as Public Policy Chair for the North Carolina School Age Care Coalition has opened many doors in her pursuit to advocate for all children. She also serves on the National School Age Care Alliance's Public Policy Committee, which represents 36 state affiliates with approximately 8000 members.
She can be reached by email: rhonda.roach@ucps.k12.nc.us
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