Focus on practice - celebrating Delecia Calderwood: author, advocate, and inspiring practitioner 

Delecia Calderwood recently completed her BA (Hons) Early Years Teaching and Learning (Top-up) and can already add published author to her list of credentials.

Delecia has been a part of the Kingston University learning community for a number of years. She is well known as a committed early years practitioner with a genuine dedication to children's wellbeing and individuality. She has also recently published a children’s book, The Ladybird Who Couldn’t Find Her Spots.

The book combines personal experience with a commitment to inclusive practice. It offers children an accessible way to explore identity, difference and belonging, and provides a useful starting point for conversations between educators, families and children.

The Ladybird Who Couldn’t Find Her Spots, was inspired by Delecia’s son, who was diagnosed with ADHD in 2021 at the age of 11. When he was four, he said ‘Mum, my brain is different’. These simple words prompted Delecia to explore what he meant and start a journey to better understand his experience so she could support him in the best way possible. Over the years, as a parent and practitioner, Delecia identified the needs necessary for positive outcomes for her son. This was the catalyst which motivated her to write her book. The Ladybird Who Couldn’t Find Her Spots emphasises that everyone is unique, and it's perfectly okay not to look the same or be the same. Embrace who you are and celebrate your individuality!
 
Completing a degree while simultaneously bringing a publishing project to life is an incredible feat. We are proud to congratulate Delecia on both accomplishments.

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