Early Childhood Leadership Fellow Spotlight: Julia Myers

In this Spotlight, Julia Myers, the Director of Toledo Day Nursery and Groundwork Ohio Early Childhood Leadership Fellow, reflects on her professional journey, personal experiences as a parent, and her vision for transforming early childhood education in Ohio. She shares what drives her advocacy, the challenges she sees, and her hopes for every child, family, and educator in the system.

Q. Tell us about yourself and your current professional role. What kind of work do you do, and who do you serve?

A. I am the Director at Toledo Day Nursery, where I lead efforts to provide quality early childhood education and care, serving children from six weeks to six years old. Toledo Day Nursery, with its rich history dating back over a century, remains committed to nurturing young minds. Through initiatives like WeVision Solution Labs, we strive to make the ideal real by offering scholarships and advocating for the youngest learners. I've been in the director role for five years. On a personal note, I'm a mother to two wonderful children, and my husband is dedicated to education as a junior high language arts teacher.

Q. What made you want to apply for the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship?

A. Working in downtown Toledo, I've frequently encountered the challenge of parents struggling to find high-quality early childhood education for their children. These calls for help have been a constant reminder of the gaps in our education system that need addressing. Through my collaboration with organizations like Hope Toledo and The Bainum Foundation's Solution Lab schools, I've gained invaluable insights into the importance of early childhood education and the need for systemic change.

My time with these organizations has ignited a passion for advocating that early childhood educators receive compensation comparable to public school teachers. The dedication and impact these educators have on young lives are immeasurable, and yet they are often undervalued. Ensuring fair compensation is crucial to attracting and retaining talented individuals who can provide the nurturing and educational foundation young children need.

The first five years of a child's life are critical, shaping their future learning and development. These formative years must be funded and supported with the same commitment as public schools. By applying for the Early Childhood Leadership Fellowship, I aim to further my advocacy efforts and contribute to a future where every child has access to the education they deserve.

Q. What are you most excited to learn, gain, or take away from the Fellowship experience?

A. I am most excited to find my voice in speaking to those who need to hear about the importance of early childhood education. Advocacy in this field requires not only passion and a strong will but also the confidence to speak effectively in public settings. Through the Fellowship, I hope to learn how to communicate with authority and knowledge, ensuring that my message resonates with diverse audiences. Public speaking is an essential skill for an advocate, and I am eager to gain experience and training that will allow me to articulate my ideas confidently and persuasively. This opportunity will be instrumental in helping me develop the poise and eloquence necessary to inspire change and champion the cause of early childhood education.

Q. How did you first hear about or get involved with Groundwork Ohio?

A. During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, I first learned about Groundwork Ohio through a webinar on early childhood education that I attended from my home office. The pandemic, with all its disruptions, highlighted the essential nature of early childhood education, especially as families and educators grappled with unprecedented challenges. Groundwork Ohio emerged as a powerful voice advocating for the needs of young children and their families during this period of uncertainty.

Their commitment to addressing the disparities in early childhood education became apparent as they tirelessly worked to ensure that the youngest members of our communities were not overlooked in policy discussions. I was particularly impressed with how they utilized digital platforms to continue their advocacy efforts, reaching out to policymakers and the public alike to highlight the critical need for robust support systems for early learners.

Groundwork Ohio's leadership in pushing for equitable access to quality early education during the pandemic resonated deeply with me. It motivated me to engage more actively in this field, as their dedication and proactive stance served as a beacon of hope during those difficult months. Their work inspired me to further my involvement in advocating for substantial changes in early childhood education, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive from the very start.

Q. What's one issue or challenge in the early childhood system that you're passionate about addressing?

A. One critical issue in the early childhood education system that I am deeply passionate about addressing is the need for affordable and high-quality education that ensures families feel heard and seen. Too often, parents face overwhelming barriers when seeking the best educational opportunities for their young children, primarily due to prohibitive costs and inconsistent quality standards. This not only affects the children's developmental outcomes but also places undue stress on families striving to provide the best start for their little ones.

Affordable education should not come at the expense of quality. It's essential to create a system where high-quality early childhood programs are accessible to all families, regardless of their socioeconomic status. This involves not only sufficient funding but also ensuring that the programs maintain rigorous standards that foster a nurturing and stimulating environment for young learners.

Additionally, compensating teachers appropriately is a crucial component of this issue. Early childhood educators play a pivotal role in shaping the minds and futures of young children, yet their efforts are often undervalued. By advocating for fair compensation, we can attract and retain skilled educators who are passionate about their work, thus enhancing the quality of education provided.

Moreover, it's vital that families feel seen and heard in this system. This means involving them in conversations about their children's education, understanding their needs, and respecting their insights. By fostering a collaborative environment where parents and educators work together, we can create a supportive community that prioritizes the best interests of the child.

Q. How does your lived experience shape the way you lead or advocate for young children and families?

A. Becoming a parent has profoundly influenced the way I lead and advocate for young children and their families. This personal journey of discovering my own identity as a parent while simultaneously managing the responsibilities of running an educational program has been both enlightening and transformative. It has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges families face and the importance of creating supportive environments for both children and their caregivers.

Navigating the intricacies of parenthood while overseeing a program has taught me resilience and adaptability. The daily balancing act of meeting my family's needs and ensuring the program's success has mirrored the struggles many parents face. This firsthand experience has fueled my empathy and commitment to advocating for policies that support families, recognizing that every family deserves to thrive without being overwhelmed by financial or systemic barriers.

In my role, I've encountered the financial pressures that come with providing quality education while also sustaining my own household. This dual perspective has opened my eyes to the critical need for affordable child care solutions and accessible resources for all families. It has strengthened my resolve to push for systemic changes that alleviate these burdens, ensuring that no family has to choose between their financial stability and their child's early development.

Furthermore, this journey has reinforced the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership. As I've navigated my own parenting challenges, I've learned to embrace the uncertainties and imperfections that come with it. This has allowed me to connect more deeply with families, fostering an environment where they feel understood and supported, rather than judged.

Q. What do you think is important to help make Ohio the best place to be a young child?

A. Universal Early Childhood Education and funding it appropriately.

Q. How do you hope to use your voice as a leader in this space—now and in the future?

A. I hope to continue advocating for those who need support, whether it be a parent, a child, or an educator.