Maija Reed

This interview with Maija Reed was conducted remotely via Zoom on August 19, 2020, while Maija was in her home in Hudson, NY. Maija is the Youth Commissioner of Hudson and also works as private early childhood educator. In this interview Maija, reflects on the month that has passed since her last interview with the Education Narratives Project. She discusses navigating the evolving the health concerns and childcare needs of the families for whom she provides early-childhood care. She talks about importance of social visits with friends in this moment and how communication within herself, with the families she cares for and with her social community has provided both comfort and challenges during this time. Maija also talks about how a focus on care continues to influence her work as the Youth Commissioner and her leadership in that role. She discusses her concerns about her own health, the lasting impact this period of time will have on the children she cares for, and the longevity of the day care she is working to support as Youth Commissioner.

This interview may be of interest to those who want to learn about social visiting during the COVID-19 pandemic, the lasting impact of the pandemic on children, the Youth Department and the Youth Commissioner of Hudson, NY, early-childhood education, self-employed educators, workers in the care economy, daycares during the COVID-19 pandemic, and community support.