Dreamland CD

As a new parent, I don’t think you can ever truly appreciate what lies in store when you have your first child. It’s not until you look back that you see the wonderr of it all. The growth and development of a baby is — simply put — amazing.

I met Leadell Ediger, Executive Director of KACCRRA, in 1996 and since then have worked with her to create marketing pieces, training manuals, and publications about and for the early education field in Kansas. When we began, my son, Carter, had yet to be conceived. Luckily for me, I learned some important things about the value of quality early care and education before he came into the world. As I uncovered the layers of the KACCRRA organization I was able to see how funding dollars wind their way through national, state and local systems — and how these dollars create positive changes in child care centers and family child care homes throughout the state.

The local R&R was my first stop. I was provided a list of area providers, and from that list I found my way to Alta Nelson. Alta began caring for Carter when he was only a few months old. She provided infant and toddler early education and care until this past year, when my mother retired and began caring for him.

The efforts of all who work in the field of early education are so very important — and it does indeed make a difference to the future of Kansas and lives of our children. Dreamland was a gift to Carter for Christmas this past year — a keepsake of our favorite bedtime lullabies. It is not a polished recording, but its simplicity is its essence, exposing him to rhythm, words, and melodies through the sound of his mother’s voice. And for me, it captures these precious, fleeting moments perfectly. Carter is still amazed, on a nightly basis that mommy’s voice comes out of his radio. This CD has since evolved into another gift — my contribution to the field of early education. All proceeds from the sale of this CD will benefit early educators in Kansas through advocacy efforts by KACCRRA. Please help support KACCRRA by sharing these songs with someone special in your life. To order your copy, print the order form below. I hope you enjoy the music of “Dreamland”.    Julie Hess