Alyssa Ridenour
reporter@greenepublishing.com
Madison native, Shelia Jackson, found her passion for childcare when she participated in a Cedar Program 37 years ago, helping teens find jobs for the summer. She has been working with Kids, Inc. for 20 years. Kids, Inc. is a home-based, parent education system that sends teachers into family's homes to educate the child, as well as the parents. The age ranges Jackson handles are six months to three years old. Her teachings focus on cognitive, physical and emotional language, which are crucial in the early development of a child.
COVID has complicated things in her field by limiting face-to-face interactions and one-on-one time. Currently, all communication is through Zoom, FaceTime and regular phone calls. Jackson misses seeing the kids, hugging them and planning fun activities for them.
Jackson has a lot of wisdom and love in her heart. She is very passionate about what she does and wouldn't trade it for the world. "My goal as a teacher is to educate parents and let them know that they are their child's first teacher." said Jackson. "I want to be there for them and help them every step of the way."
Jackson loves the parents as much as the kids. She is a people person and has a special talent for understanding the different thoughts and feelings that new parents may have. "When you have kids, you don't belong to yourself anymore." said Jackson. "You have to worry about your kids first. It is possible to raise kids on your own. Being a single parent is never the end of the road. I was a single mother myself."
Jackson has a 31-year-old son and two grandkids, ages nine and 15. She also has an associates degree in child development and a child development director’s credential. Jackson firmly believes that she would not be half the woman she is today without her mother as her role model. "My mother, Elizabeth Hodge, was my role model before she passed away," said Jackson. "She is the reason I am the woman that I am today."
Kids, Inc. of the Big Bend covers Leon, Jefferson and Madison counties. For more information on the program, go to https://www.kidsincorporated.org/ programs-and-services.