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8.01.2024
Parent Spotlight: Meet Erica B. - Children’s Advocate
In addition to connecting parents and families with the resources and support they need, First 5 Nevada strives to provide parents and families with information to inspire positive change in Nevada’s early childhood system. Parents know better than anyone else what they and their children need to thrive.
In this Parent Spotlight series, we’ll introduce you to parent leaders throughout the State of Nevada, who will share their stories and how they are working to create change for their families, communities, and state.
Meet Erica B., a mom, grandparent, and advocate for children in Nevada. Read our interview below to learn more about Erica’s journey to becoming a parent leader and advocate.
Erica, thank you for participating today. Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
I am a single mother to five children, originally from the state of Ohio. My kids are ages 27, 24, 21 and my adopted twin sons are 10 years old. Also, I have a grandson that is 2 years old.
Most of my twenty-plus-year career has been in the childcare field setting starting as a daycare provider in my home, moving to group care, then eventually owning two childcare facilities in the state of Ohio. I have also been a foster parent in the state of Ohio and Nevada for several years prior to adopting my boys.
I have always been in the helping field when I have not worked in childcare, working for the state at DWSS [Division of Welfare and Supportive Services] and I have worked with women and children who have experienced domestic violence.
Can you tell us a little about your journey into parent leadership and advocacy?
I currently participate in the Southern Nevada Early Childhood Family Leadership Council [NECFLC] and my kid’s SOT Board at their school. The NECFLC is about empowering parents from all levels of society and economic backgrounds to have a voice and advocate for what matters the most, our children.
The family leadership council empowers all parents to have a voice in the decision-making process when it comes to children. Change occurs when parents and families come to the table and share their experiences with different entities on how their communities are affected.
Since I have been with the NECFLC, I have shared my story of some of the barriers I had to endure with my children, who were shaken babies and needed to go outside the state for medical care due to their sensitive medical needs, in hopes that no other parents would have as many challenges.
I also have been able to share about the many wonderful resources and agencies in the State of Nevada that my children have utilized that have been part of their rehabilitation process.
Some of the other opportunities I was able to voice my opinion on was how we can help sustain early childhood teachers in our system, supporting the teachers who support our children.
I have also learned about what diversity and inclusion looks like in programs, and I have also learned about the legislation processes, the Early Childhood Advisory Council and what this entity does and how change comes about.
It was the NECFLC that empowered me to join my children’s SOT board at school at which sadly hardly any parents show up. In these meetings I have voiced safety concerns, reviewed budgets, gave my opinion on different activities at the school, and answered questions the school had from a parent’s point of view.
What led you to join the Nevada Early Childhood Family Leadership Council?
I wanted to make sure as a parent whose children had experienced trauma and with special needs that I spoke on behalf of children in the population and voiced my experience to see change where change was needed.
I also wanted to let parents know they are not alone, sharing resources I know about as well as learning about untapped resources, and transparency about the constant therapies that are needed to ensure this vulnerable population of children thrive into their highest potential.
I also want to make a difference in all children’s lives because they are our future.
Why do you think parent leadership is important?
Parent leadership is important because we, you, are children’s biggest advocates. Sometimes I think when we are told something concerning our children that we do not have a say so, and we have the most powerful voice.
So many times I have heard parents complain about situations surrounding their children, but feel their voices land on deaf ears. You must advocate within entities that can make change.
What are the benefits of joining a parent group?
The benefits of joining a parent group are being part of change!
To do that, you must bring your experiences to the table and express what outcomes you would like to see for children. I also love to be a part of decision-making processes and offer ideas to be included. Learning about different processes that are being put in place and being a part of those processes to help children is rewarding.
What advice would you give to other parents or family members that are interested in getting involved in leadership or decision-making roles to support early childhood programs and services?
Do it, be a part of change that will affect your children, community, and family.
Find an area that you are passionate about and reach out to any entities such as The Children’s Cabinet, State of Nevada, Department of Family Services, Acelero, Nevada PEP, and your community childcare and ask about ways to get involved as a parent.
Know that everyone’s voices matter and parent leadership groups want to hear from you!
What programs or services do you think are most important for young children in Nevada?
From my experience with children with trauma and special needs what was most beneficial for them were services from Positively Kids, Child Find, Desert Regional Center, Early Intervention Services, Mental Health services, different therapy services such as ABA, speech, occupational, and physical therapy.
My kids also spent several years at Sport Social where all the staff are RBT and help children with social skills and promote positive behaviors through sports.
Finally, my kids are athletes with the Special Olympics which is extremely rewarding to socialize with children of all different abilities where they compete in swimming, flag football, track, bowling, etc.
Nevada has a wealth of resources available, which is why I am so happy for the First 5 Nevada website.
Have you experienced any barriers to accessing programs or services for your children?
Yes, we experienced many barriers when the boys were around age 2. When the twins were little, their behaviors were very extreme. The behaviors were so extreme they were getting kicked out of childcares and eventually we were not able to be in any public settings.
The barrier was the boys in this rare case needed medication, but the pediatrician was not able to medicate under the age of five. The pediatrician also did not know where we should go to seek help and suggested I give the children back to the state.
Long story short, I wrote letters to the top pediatric brain surgeons and the boys were accepted by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
The next barrier was I had to figure out how to get Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to enroll in Nevada Medicaid, which I had to make happen myself, which was a task. Once everything was in place, we flew to see the team in Ohio. After a week of testing, they did put them on medication, but we faced more challenges finding a psychiatrist that was willing to see them so young and carry out the plan from there.
Thankfully, Dr. Khurana at Healthy Minds took on their case at an early age. Children’s Hospital reached out to providers within Las Vegas to help us start the rehabilitation plan. All this planning took time all while the behaviors were still going on and before we could start the rehabilitation process.
What changes do you think need to be made to improve Nevada’s early childhood system?
I think for severe cases, which was my experience, someone must follow through and make sure kids are wrapped around with services. In my case, the kids fell through the cracks. This should never happen no matter what the case entails. If the services are not offered in NV, we must get children appropriate care out of state.
Have you ever been involved in any advocacy related to children’s issues (working to improve laws or policies)?
Being a council member on the NECFLC has put me at the table with parents and different agencies to help with learning about and changing policies. I have given my advice and thoughts on how to enhance our policies and procedures.
I will continue to use my voice and will be happy to assist any agency in any way to help change policy and laws.
What additional resources or supports do you think are needed to help families get involved in leadership and decision-making in Nevada?
We need more outreach to partner up with different agencies to reach parents in Nevada to let them know of all the different opportunities that are available and all the ways they can get involved to advocate and get into decision making roles. Knowledge is key!
Is there anything else that you would like to share?
In the future. I would love to speak to parents about how abuse and trauma have affected my children, what that rehabilitation process has looked like, and how important therapeutic services are in children’s lives.
Sometimes we say abuse hurts kids, it is different when a person can speak in detail about how a child’s life can be changed forever. Change doesn't happen overnight, but it will happen. Find a support group, and support within services offered. There are many individuals in the State of Nevada that will make sure you are supported.
