EDINBURG, Texas - Dr. Daniel P. King, executive director of Region One Education Service Center, has been a big supporter of AVANCE for many years.
AVANCE has been a pioneer in early childhood education in Latino communities for half a century.
King said he first started working with the San Antonio-based nonprofit when he was superintendent of Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD.
“I had the great opportunity about a decade ago to partner with them. They came into the PSJA community and they're still there in Alamo, serving families at home,” King said.
“Today they are one of the premier organizations serving young children, preschool. They have incredible programs and work in low-income Latino communities, primarily, all around Texas and in a few other states as well.”
King was asked if he would like to join the AVANCE board of directors a couple of years ago. He accepted.
“Their philosophy and the way they work is building on strength. So, they build on the home language. They strengthen a child's home language. They also work with the parents and value the parents. They help parents to use evidence-based approaches to help their children develop and be kindergarten-ready when they get ready for school.”
King was one of the speakers at an AVANCE fundraiser held Jan. 30 at The Museum of South Texas History in Edinburg. The event celebrated AVANCE’s 50th anniversary.
“AVANCE has a great track record. They have had great, great success,” King said.
During his remarks King said school districts should adopt a key aspect of AVANCE’s work - working closely with parents. Too often, King said, schools dismiss the talents of parents, telling them they know best. Thus, too many parents do not get involved in the education of their children.
Asked about that in an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, King said: “It’s very important to value what the parent says. Parents don't always feel valued by the school. And one thing that AVANCE does is really help the parents to see their value.”
King added: “Anytime we work with the parents, together with the children, we’re going to make so much more progress. Parents are a critical factor to the success of their children. So when we when we engage with them in a meaningful way, it makes all the difference in the world.”
Editor's Note: Here is an exclusive video interview with Dr. Daniel P. King at AVANCE's recent 50th Anniversary event in Edinburg:
https://youtu.be/w_oD079f6hI
