The College of Education’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) Workforce program prides itself on prioritizing student well-being and creating a supportive environment for current educators working to gain more expertise in early childhood education. Ashley Dowd, a student in the program’s first cohort, speaks on her experience in the program as she looks forward to graduation this spring.
Dowd began her journey with early childhood education in her late teens and early twenties while working at a progressive Social Emotional Learning (SEL) based childcare center in her hometown of Rockford, Il. However, she left education after deciding that she wanted a flexible schedule while starting her family.
In 2005, Dowd began cosmetology school and went on to work in the beauty industry for 16 years. During that time, she received her teaching license and worked to prepare other young people to work in cosmetology.
“I knew from a young age that I liked helping people, and working in cosmetology helped me to help others on an interpersonal level,” Dowd said. “I was a therapist and counselor who also happened to provide a service. I loved connecting with people, and I get to do that even more now that I am teaching.”
Dowd decided to invest in her education by completing an online Early Childhood associate degree through Heartland Community College. Soon after completing her degree, a position opened in their Child Development Lab (CDL). “I felt like it was a sign to join the Heartland community,” she said.
While on staff at the CDL Dowd learned about the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity Scholarship and ISU’s ECE Online Workforce Program and decided to continue her education once again.
“I wouldn’t have done my bachelor’s without the online option at ISU. Between the scholarship, the online format, and all of the faculty members who I knew from my work at the child development lab, I felt comfortable transitioning to a new stage in my education I didn’t plan for,” said Dowd.
Since she completed her first degree online, continuing with the ECE Online Workforce program was a familiar experience. Between her scholarships and the program staff, Dowd felt connected and supported to invest in her education alongside her career and family.
“I’ve really loved getting to know the other students in the program,” she said. “Even though it is online, there is still a community between us students. During my associates, I sometimes felt isolated from the online format, but here we all have shared life experiences that connect us as educators in the ECE program.”
Dowd also wished to acknowledge her relationships with program faculty members Dr. Terry Husband and Dr. Amanda Quesenberry, who’s engaging coursework has been especially formative in her development as an educator.
As a member of her region’s Birth to 5 Action Council, Dowd is currently advocating for state-wide grant funding to allow ISU’s ECE program and similar projects to continue investing in working educators.
Dowd shared some advice for fellow educators interesting in joining the next cohort. “If you have an interest this is the time to get the degree,” she said. “We live in a state that values this education, and between working in the school system, private sector, or higher education, there is variety with what this degree can do for you. “
After graduation, she plans to continue her advocacy while teaching. Dowd said, “I’m thankful that I took the risk to get my bachelor’s, and now that I’m almost on the other side, I want to support other’s making the same choice I did.”
