MECE Leadership Bio

Jerry Parr

I have been working in the field of early childhood for 32 years, and except for one Friday night fund raiser; all of that time has been as a man. Although my greatest passion and my greatest joy is working with infants and toddlers, I have spent an equal share of my career working with pre-school age children and their families, educating new teachers and re-igniting seasoned teachers as well as administering programs and policy.

I have stepped back a bit from the daily services side of early childhood, in private, public and Head Start settings. I have had three decades to act in and observe the roles of men in various cultures: in Tribal programs, urban programs and rural America and bring a broad spectrum of experiences to the Men in Early Childcare Leadership team.

I never forget the men or the women that have encouraged me, challenged me and mentored me during this odyssey and have come to that stage when my greatest pleasure is helping someone new step on board. As a man in a profession dominated by talented, compassionate and brilliant women I also never forget the words: "behind every successful man stands a woman with a surprised look on her face".