Page 5 - Boca Exposure - December '22

Boca Exposure, Page 5
Op/Ed By Ellyn Okrent, CEO Of Fuller Center In Boca Raton

Childcare programs across the United States are in dire This staffing shortage holds parents back (particularly been to embrace, educate, and empower hardworking, under-
straits. The industry is missing more than 10 percent of its women) from the labor market, where participation is resourced families and children to reach their full potential.
workforce – the result of its inability to raise compensation still not back to pre-pandemic levels, and ultimately We build a positive future through education for more than
and provide benefits to keep pace with fast food and retail. handicapping the recovery of local economies. According 800 children annually (infants through teens), as well as their
However, these are not the only reasons. Earning the to Vox, in August, Senate Majority Leader Chuck 600 family members. The Fuller Center reaches families
credentials to work as an early educator is extensive and Schumer went so far as to say he believes “the number in 45 zip codes throughout Palm Beach County, as well as
costly, the responsibility is high, the respect is low, and one or number two reason in the whole country we are North Broward County. Almost all Fuller Center working
the job is highly demanding with numerous requirements. short of labor is we don’t have adequate childcare.” parents – 92 percent – serve as essential or frontline workers,
In addition, many children are exhibiting post-pandemic Massive amounts of neuroscience research tell us that working in hospitals, retail, restaurants, and hotels. They
out-of-control behaviors and mental health concerns learning begins at birth, and that without developmentally are our bus drivers, store clerks and cashiers, farmworkers,
for which early educators receive little to no support in appropriate stimulation and support, young minds will fail delivery drivers, security guards, bank tellers, office workers,
addressing and managing. to develop to their fullest potential. Studies consistently healthcare workers and home health aides, hospital orderlies
Nationally, 46 percent of the childcare workforce document that children who begin kindergarten without and cafeteria workers, and childcare and eldercare workers.
qualifies for public benefits. Chronic system and provider a specific level of social, emotional, and academic Our programs empower children to start school prepared,
underfunding results in low rates of compensation for readiness tend to fall behind and stay behind. Yet, we still succeed academically, and break the generational cycle of
early educators, the vast majority of whom are female. do not adequately fund, value, or support quality early poverty through quality early childhood education, after-school
Even our universities are reducing degree programs in childhood education – the one proven golden ticket – the and summer camp programs, our new private elementary
early education, as college graduates cannot secure a strong start that children and families need. school, a teen leadership program, and a comprehensive
living wage post-graduation. For more than 50 years, the Fuller Center’s mission has system of family support services. They also empower the
parents, who are essential to keeping our local economy open
The Singles Scene Column © and provide the vital services we all count on.

The Fuller Center offers mentoring programs and adult
on-the-job training, coaching, and employment support at no
cost, plus transportation from 12 area schools to our campus-
By Kelly Leary, M.S., THE Florida Matchmaker, Est. 1991 that make your skin crawl: “Why are you still single?” based after-school programs. We serve more than 1,000
Matchmaking Under the Suddenly everyone is a critic, right? nutritious meals and snacks daily. In addition, Fuller Center
3. You will have no one to kiss on New Year’s Eve

provides opportunities for local colleges and universities to
Mistletoe (BIGGEST BUMMER EVER). place undergraduate and graduate students in internships and
4. You will be sleeping alone on the most romantic child development practicums.
“A Very Merry Season, nights of the year. Is it ever fun to sleep alone? To meet the staffing needs of our center and of the children
and a Happy New Year. THE GRAND SOLUTION: No matter what your and families we serve, the Fuller Center created a career path
Let’s hope it’s a good one, age is--thirty or eighty--you can find a new partner. We for 32 individuals, empowering them to secure permanent
without any fear.” see it every day. Increase your odds of finding authentic employment in the early education field and move up the
Seasons Greetings and attractive people to date with bravado and faith in our career ladder between 2020 and 2022. We’ve embraced
and welcome to the most 31 year sustainable matchmaking system. We know it’s partnership opportunities with Boca Helping Hands, FAU,
magical time of the year. I tough being single, newly single, or widowed this time the Center for Child Counseling, local high schools, Palm
am so glad you are here! As of year. However, you can simply and proactively flip the Beach State College, Lynn University, Jewish Family
always, if you are spoken script. There is someone out there who feels like you and Services, and local places of worship, to name a few, to bring
for, do share this hopeful is waiting to meet you too...especially this month. this workforce development opportunity to the community.
news with your single A gift of love (from YOU to YOU) will lift your spirits According to findings from early childhood education
family and friends who instantly. The action of doing something about this will employee surveys, the following are ways to increase
may be struggling this time of year. change your vibe for the whole month...even if you decide satisfaction and retain quality staff:
Dating in December can be more romantic than any you want your first date after January. You know you are a • Increase funds to run programs
other time of the year. Just think about your first-date client and your file is all set up and ready to go. You beat • Increase salaries
venue options. Think about how you can quickly see if the rush. • Greater administrative support and respect
you are compatible with someone just by driving through Understand, many of your married friends are faking it • Improve benefits
a neighborhood decked out in holiday lights or visiting the through the holiday as if they were happy. Many will argue • Open communication both within the organization and
local chocolate factory. How someone handles the holiday and bicker, unfortunately. YOU are in a great situation. with families
season is often a window to how they handle their entire YOU are the designer of your love life and YOU will • More relevant, higher quality training
life. Think about it! choose who to kiss when the clock strikes twelve on New • Opportunities to advance within the organization and
The holidays can bring out an abundance of good energy Year’s Eve, with our help. Your future match is waiting for beyond
which can promote positive feelings in even the biggest you to get your name in our Santa hat. Birds of a feather • Recognition of high-performing, qualified staff
Grinch. Cupid and Santa love to work in tandem too--as flock together. Take a look at our new drop of clients too... • The availability of materials, supplies, and space
you know--making it even more possible for your dreams so impressive...even more so in person and we have met Programs like the Fuller Center’s can make a difference,
to come true. Your odds of attracting your future partner every one of them in our office! but there’s much work still to do to stabilize childcare, the
are doubled in December. (Keep in mind: This doesn’t So this is December in loveland and I wish you workforce, and our economy. However, without adequate
mean you have to spend the high holidays together if you happiness too. This is your birthright. Please keep love funding for training programs and consideration of the
just started dating.) and hope as your guiding light, and you won’t go wrong. frontline program staff participating in planning and
Let’s face it though, this time of year can bring on a Let LOVE guide you. Still stuck between fear and love? decision-making, the workforce behind the workforce is in
case of the Holiday Blues. If you don’t prioritize yourself Choose love. jeopardy. Our community, state, and nation cannot afford for
this month, you may have regrets. You don’t have to halt December holds a mirror up to you and asks, “What this industry to collapse. It is entirely within our power to
dating just because it’s the holidays. Your children are do you want this year my dear?” I know what you want prevent that, and at the same time invest in our most precious
likely grown and if not--and you are a single parent--all because you are reading this column. The next step is your resource: the children and their futures.
the more reason to gift yourself too. You absolutely should responsibility. Make your appointment to meet us and we
step it up a bit. There is no gain in being a martyr. It is also will take care of the rest.
a bad example for your offspring. Wishing you an extraordinary Holiday Season and a
So, let your heart be light and end the year strong with Happy New Year 2023! Let the good times roll!
ease and elegance! Consider the following details before Thank you for sharing your year with me once again.
you write down your December goals. Remember that it The love in me honors the love in all of you.
really is a wonderful life when you make the moments XoXo, Kelly
count. #BeatTheHolidayRush #GiftYourselfThisYear
The Upside of Being Single in December: #HolidayLove #WhyWaitJustDate #Connect #LoveOffline
1. You don’t have to buy your romantic partner a gift. #TellYourFriends
L.O.L. Some people think this way. Some people hold off Kelly Leary© has a stellar 31 years in the dating
dating until March after the holidays and Valentine’s Day. industry and a masters degree in Psychology. Revolution
Bah humbug, right? Dating participates in multiple charitable organizations
2. You can pick and choose where you want to go for such as The Leukemia Lymphoma Society, Chasin A
holiday gatherings. Yeah! No more long drives to the in- Dream Foundation, Furry Friends Animal Adoption
laws! Double-yeah! Clinic and more. Revolution Dating members are
3. You have more time for yourself and your family prescreened in person including background checks.
since you no longer have to split your time between Professional photos are taken by the staff. This is not
families. Do things and celebrate the way you want to and online dating or blind dating. In addition to providing
hopefully, we meet you sooner than later. This year all of matchmaking services that make singles “UN-single”
the big holidays fall at the end of the month. By taking through their exclusive club membership, this club also
steps now, you can pre-empt that defeated feeling. This is provides dating feedback and coaching as needed. Please
so empowering. Thank me later. call the Hotline at 561-630-XOXO (9696) or 772-932-
The DOWNSIDE of Being Single in December: HERE (4373) to speak to a LIVE matchmaker. You may
1. People will feel sorry for you, no matter what you also visit us at www.revolutiondating.com. *All Inquiries
say or think. are Confidential.
2. You will be asked endless irritating questions