Pat Sosa VerDuin
Kelle Barr |
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Program
100 E. 8th St.
Suite 250
Holland, Michigan 49423
Pat Sosa VerDuin leads Ready for School with a passion for preparing children for school and for encouraging their parents to be informed and engaged. When parents, volunteers and community are all engaged in early childhood education, everyone wins.
Michigan Lightlight: What does being a leader mean to you?
Ready for School Executive Director Pat Sosa VerDuin: Surrounding myself with amazing people and knowing when to get out of their way.
What is your dream for kids?
My dream is that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential, especially at-risk kids – kids whose parents have not had the opportunities that could help them advance their children’s education.
My dream is that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential, especially at-risk kids – kids whose parents have not had the opportunities that could help them advance their children’s education.
For some parents, this is beyond the realm of possibilities. Some have not graduated from college, or even high school, and we’re looking to inspire them.
What is one concrete thing that could be done to improve the environment for social sector work in Michigan?
To quit doing things the way we have always done them. The social sector has much to learn from the other sectors. Collectively, when all sectors are working together the result is amazing.
How do you know you are making progress?
When the community engagement represents every sector we know we are making progress. Readiness data is beginning to show signs of improvement and parents’ recognition of where to look for readiness information is improving. Volunteers who joined Ready for School early in the process remain faithful and committed. New volunteers join the initiative weekly, and because every sector is involved, there is plenty of room for all.
What are you most proud of?
The work that we are doing in what we call “opportunity zones” or neighborhoods where there are large amounts of children coming to school not ready. This community outreach and education is really where some of our most important work is happening.
What keeps you awake at night?
The incredible opportunities that lay before us. The opportunities to change the system, to leave a legacy for children and to give them opportunities for early childhood education.
Giving kids a preschool experience is not just for people can afford it. It’s a gift that we want to give all of our children.
Giving kids a preschool experience is not just for people can afford it. It’s a gift that we want to give all of our children.