Thu. Mar 28th, 2024
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FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Fort Bragg Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Loehr presented five staff members from Bauguess Child Development Center certificates of appreciation for their above and beyond efforts to ensure equality in education for every child in their care, Feb. 22.

Carol Lyons, La’Marthalyn Norman, Quandrea Williams, Sheila Fields, and Marshelle Maynard were named Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s Exceptional Team of the 4th Quarter of 2021 for taking upon themselves to learn American Sign Language.

“These educators are leading the example for inclusivity and ensuring every child has equal opportunities to succeed,” said Loehr. “By taking the extra effort to expand their knowledge and understanding the very important role they play in our military children’s lives, they have assured Fort Bragg’s workforce that knowing their children are taken care of by the very best.”

The longtime caregivers and preschool educators came together with the unanimous decision to learn ASL with the arrival of Ayden West, whose primary means of communication is sign language. To better communicate with their new hearing-impaired student, the team used their own time to learn ASL, utilizing online resources and help from Ayden.

“I was interested in learning American Sign Language the day Ayden entered my classroom,” said Maynard, who has worked for Child and Youth Services for 13 years. “Learning the basics of sign language has made me a better caregiver for not only Ayden, but other children to come.”

Maynard, who has been a caregiver for over 20 years, learned ASL with the help of her team and Ayden; adding that it has been a very fun and interesting experience.

“I wanted to be active and communicate directly with children in our room who may have a disability in hearing or speech,” Fields echoed, a caregiver of 33 years. “I don’t want any child to be left out of activities. My desire and love is for all the children, no matter what, and I wanted them to feel comfortable, safe, protected and loved.”

Fields added that learning ASL has improved her communication skills not only with children, but with anyone who has hearing or speech disabilities – the experience isn’t just limited to the classroom, she said.

“Learning to include others is a big part of what we teach and I’m glad we are teaching through actions,” agreed Williams. “We never know who we will encounter (in life) and I want to teach other children how to interact with others who may use sign language to communicate.”

Each team member agreed that the extra worth is well work the challenge and enforces their unwritten motto; learn by doing, teach by example.

“I have experience with all types of little personalities and children with special needs,” said Norman, another seasoned caregiver of 23 years. “The love you have for the children is genuine. …….

Source: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/417764/going-extra-mile-cdc-staff-members-learn-sign-language-own-time-better-learning-experience-all-students