What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelors in Family & Consumer Science with an emphasis in Vocational Child Care from Southwestern College. I have a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Human Growth and Development from Wichita State University. I have a PhD. in Human Environmental Sciences Administration from Oklahoma State University.

What other experiences, or staff development has prepared you for inclusion?
Instructor, Cowley County Community College, writing the curriculum for the Child Care Management Program; also teaching of Developmental Psychology and Micro and Macro economics.

What is your job role?
Early Education Specialist working with the teachers in the Bright Futures Head Start.

What is your role regarding the inclusive component of the program?
I supervise transition, observe teachers and document that instruction is meeting Head Start Regulations. train parent volunteers in education, prepare information for the parent newsletter which is distributed on a monthly basis, and other responsibilities as directed.

How has your role changed or have you adapted your role as it relates to the inclusive program?
My responsibilities have significantly changed from an instructor in a child care program to application of child care management principles and goals.

What were your biggest concerns about participating in an inclusive program?
Although I do not work directly with children, I have to search for developmentally appropriate activities for teachers to supplement their program.

What were your experiences related to these concerns once inclusive services were implemented?
I have found that I have to be flexible enough to be able to juggle more than one task at a time as requested by teachers and/or administrators.

What do you see as the benefits of moving toward inclusive services?
I enjoy being able to see children receive the best of care in meeting their personal needs and observing children enjoying the experiences of learning, playing and communicating with other children. Perhaps the greatest benefit, in my opinion, is helping all children strive to reach their potential and by not noticeably targeting the children with special needs. All children have the opportunity to reach their highest potential.