Former Bayfield resident honored for early childhood education efforts

Jackie Morlan Honored for Contributions to Early Childhood Education and Disability Advocacy

Jackie Morlan is embraced by Bayfield Town Manager Katie Sickles on Saturday at Moody’s on Mill Street in Bayfield. Bayfield proclaimed May 6, 2024, as “Jackie Morgan Day” to honor her efforts in early childhood education and other community contributions. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)

Introduction

Jackie Morlan, a dedicated advocate for children and adults with disabilities in the Durango-Bayfield area, was recently honored for her significant contributions to early childhood education and community development.

Early Childhood Education and Disability Advocacy

1. From 1982 to 2011, Morlan served as the Early Childhood Education director for Community Connections, an organization that supports individuals with disabilities.
2. Throughout her career, Morlan aimed to provide continued learning opportunities and promote inclusivity for children and adults with special needs.
3. Her impact was recognized by the town of Bayfield, which proclaimed May 6, 2024, as “Jackie Morlan Day” in honor of her dedication and achievements.

Contributions and Achievements

• Morlan was the first recreation director in Bayfield’s history and worked as a preschool educator for children with disabilities.
• She initiated a grant to establish a drop-in center for at-risk teenagers.
• Morlan played a key role in developing a curriculum for early childhood education, leveraging her background in special education.
• During the 1990s, she witnessed a shift in attitudes towards integrating people with disabilities into society.
• Despite lingering stigmas, Morlan emphasized the importance of focusing on individual strengths to facilitate learning and growth.
• In 1995, Morlan co-founded BEEP, a nonprofit preschool in Bayfield.
• From 2017 to 2022, she operated the Mill Street Inn Airbnb in downtown Bayfield.
• In 2016, Morlan contributed to the establishment of Bayfield’s annual summer block parties.

Reflection and Impact

Morlan takes pride in her efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive community for individuals with disabilities in the Durango-Bayfield area.

Contact Information

mhollinshead@durangoherald.com

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
   • Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex.

2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
   • Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by sex, age group, and persons with disabilities.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

The article highlights the work of Jackie Morlan in improving opportunities for children and adults with disabilities in the Durango-Bayfield area. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

SDG 4: Quality Education

The article mentions Jackie Morlan’s work as an Early Childhood Education director for Community Connections, which helps people with disabilities. This aligns with SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

Target 4.1 under SDG 4 is relevant to the article’s content. It focuses on ensuring that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes. Jackie Morlan’s efforts in early childhood education contribute to this target by providing educational opportunities for children with disabilities.

The article does not explicitly mention any indicators related to Target 4.1. However, the indicator 4.1.1 can be implied as a measure of progress towards this target. It assesses the proportion of children and young people achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in reading and mathematics.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article emphasizes Jackie Morlan’s work in promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in society. This aligns with SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities and promote social, economic, and political inclusion for all.

Target 10.2 under SDG 10 is relevant to the article’s content. It focuses on empowering and promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. Jackie Morlan’s efforts in advocating for the rights and opportunities of individuals with disabilities contribute to this target.

The article does not explicitly mention any indicators related to Target 10.2. However, the indicator 10.2.1 can be implied as a measure of progress towards this target. It assesses the proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, considering factors such as sex, age group, and disability status.

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Fuente: durangoherald.com

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