Be the Change – Help Us Put Children First! Part 2

By Kari Pendray, MA Human Development


Thank you for joining us for our 4-part interactive series on how we can find a solution to be the change we need in the world for children. Each week, we are moving forward in the change process together for a common goal of putting “Children First.” In Part 1 of this series, we queried our followers, “What is working well with putting children first?” The cumulative response was that you wanted to learn more. This month, in Part 2, we will ask, “What do we dare to dream for our youth?

There are a variety of opinions on how children develop into whole, healthy and successful adults. However, there are a handful of highly respected organizations whose daily mantra for children intersects with five key strategic platforms. These organizations leading dropout prevention include: America’s Promise Alliance’s 5 Promises, The National Governors Association, Communities in School and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development’s Whole Child Initiative. They all agree on five high level priorities that all children deserve: physical and emotional health, safety, community connection with caring and nurturing adults and a challenging education. By achieving these five targets, we ensure that the foundation for brain development is set and children have a better chance at success later in life. For more information on early brain development, please go to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University – “The Science of Early Childhood Development” at http://developingchild.harvard.edu/topics/science_of_early_childhood/

We know that children who have adverse childhood experiences face many obstacles in their lives. We know that criminals are made, not born. We know that child abuse and neglect has irreversible affects on the developing brain. We know that a whole child approach can prevent all of this. We also know that our country can have more great leaders, better health outcomes, generate more inventions, improve the environment, and lead the world in every way. All we have to do is commit to meeting the needs of the whole child.

What does your vision for children look like? How can every child become whole and live to their fullest potential? We want to hear from you!


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Kari Pendray is a Parent Educator at Deaconess Children’s Services. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Human Development. She is a PCI Certified Parent Coach ™ with over twenty years experience in client services, facilitation and training; and ten years of experience coaching and consulting clients with parenting, life and career skills. Kari is also the parent of two amazing children.


About Deaconess Children Services
Deaconess Children’s Services, founded in 1898, is the leading service provider of child abuse and neglect prevention programs in Snohomish County. Deaconess Children’s Services supports at-risk children and families with high impact, evidence-based prevention and early intervention programs that focus on building individuals’ strengths, positive relationships and supportive networks through parent education, child development and advocacy programs. To learn more, visit us at www.deaconesschildren.org, on facebook at www.facebook.com/deaconesschildren or call 425-259-0146.