BLINN’S CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM HELPS STUDENT WITH SON
When Shelina Washington-Jordan learned she was pregnant with her son, she promised to be the best mother she could be. When Billy Jordan was diagnosed with autism, her vow took on a new meaning.
Washington enrolled in the Blinn College Child Development Program to obtain the tools to better understand and raise her son.
“I wanted to learn more about his development and how I could collaborate with the school system in implementing his individualized education program,” Washington said. “Blinn gave me exactly what I needed to be a better mom to my son.”
Blinn’s Child Development Program prepares students for an exciting and fulfilling career working with young children. Students can choose from three courses that set them on the path to earning an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, a Child Development Associate Credential, a Child Care Worker Certificate or a Marketable Skills Achievement Award in early childhood education.
Though Washington-Jordan wasn’t preparing for a career in childcare—she currently works as a sales manager for a successful insurance company—her experience has paid dividends for her family. It even inspired her to establish Building Big People Outreach, a nonprofit that empowers parents in Hempstead and beyond to advocate for children with disabilities.
“I want to be able to help anybody I feel I can help—it doesn’t matter where I live,” Washington-Jordan said. “I want to share with parents and people in the community what has worked for me and what they can do to make sure their child’s needs are met within the school system.”
Students working toward their Child Care Worker Certificate or associate’s degree will undergo the program’s capstone course, Practicum/Field Experience, where they are observed by their instructor in a work environment. Students prepare lesson plans and interact with children. Faculty provide one-on-one mentoring in return.
Lidia Hawryluk, Child Development instructor, worked with Washington-Jordan in the capstone course.
“She brought a richness and a depth of understanding to the classroom with her personal experiences,” Hawryluk said. “She’s a very committed, accepting individual. When she has a goal, she pursues it.”
In addition to earning her associate’s degree from Blinn in May 2013, Washington-Jordan received her Real Estate Salesperson License from Blinn’s Real Estate Program and she is currently enrolled in the College’s Paralegal Program.
“I want to learn all I can to be the best I can be and set an example for my family,” Washington-Jordan said. “Blinn helps me do that.” Story and photo courtesy of Blinn College.