Shirley Dowell

Background

About Shirley Dowell

I have been in childcare for 20+ years. I found my calling in this field when my second child was born and I wanted to spend as much time as I could with her, I started as a volunteer and decided to go onboard part-time and eventually full time. I attended Post University to obtain my AS in Early Childhood Studies and continued on to get my BS in ECE. My current position is as a VPK Teacher for Head start. Because this is funded by the government, it is crucial that I maintain a degree and continue my education through training, in-services, and certification by state-mandated agencies. In my years of educating children, I have come to realize that children need advocates and they don't have any. This is what brought me to join the GAL Program in my county. As a GAL, I protect and advocate for the children that are in need and in the system so they don't fall through the cracks of the legal system. I am dedicated to my students and families and demonstrate my knowledge through my ability to lead my team with the proper communication and guidance to be the best team they can be. There is no better feeling in the world than that of a child who has self-confidence."If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe its time to teach the way they learn"-Ignacio Estrada- It takes a big heart to shape little minds.