Maurice R. Sykes: Doing The Right Thing For Children

by Kathy McKeon

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Maurice Sykes, a revered champion of early childhood education in Washington, D.C. and across the country. Maurice’s unwavering dedication to the field has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless children, educators, and families. He was a generous, thoughtful, and courageous leader, mentor, colleague, and friend. He departed this world, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy, thought leadership, activism, and compassion.

On November 16, 2024, Inspired Child honored Maurice as the Charles A. Miller Distinguished Service Award, calling him a D.C. early childhood legend.

Originally from Schenectady, NY, Maurice began his career as a teacher, a role that ignited his passion for early education and fueled his lifelong commitment to students and teachers alike. His journey evolved into that of a teacher trainer and curriculum developer, ultimately leading him to serve as the director of the Early Childhood Leadership Institute at the University of the District of Columbia where he was the recipient of the Marjorie Holloman Parker Distinguished Educator Award. He was also inducted into the D.C. Hall of Fame Society for his numerous contributions to the field of early childhood education.

Maurice served in the District of Columbia Public School System as Deputy Superintendent for its Center for Systemic Educational Change as well as Director of the school system’s early childhood programs. He also advised the U.S. Department of Education on educational policy and programs related to urban school improvement. He served as the Director of the Tufts University Educational Day Care Center and as a Lecturer in the Elliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development. He was selected as a National Policy Fellow by the Institute for Educational Leadership, and subsequently coordinated its D.C. Education Policy Fellowship program. Maurice was profiled as an Early Childhood Champion in a national study released by the National Association of State Boards of Education and is a former governing board member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

His influential book, Doing the Right Thing for Children: Eight Qualities of Leadership, showcases his personal experiences in advocacy and leadership, emphasizing the need for high-quality early childhood education for all children. His most recent publication, a co-edited volume titled Child Care Justice: Transforming the System of Care for Young Children, is a call to action for educators, activists, and their allies to rethink, reimagine, and reconstruct a more equitable and just system for all who receive and provide care to our nation’s youngest children.

Throughout his distinguished career, Maurice fought tirelessly against inequality in early childhood settings, advocating for access to quality early learning programs, regardless of a child’s background. He championed the cause of those less fortunate, believing that every child deserves the best—irrespective of their zip code, surname, gender, or economic status.

In recent years, Maurice focused his advocacy efforts on the alarming issue of preschool expulsions, particularly among boys of color. He worked closely with the Office of Civil Rights to document expulsion rates and highlighted the cycle of trauma faced by children with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). His insights into the behavioral challenges of preschool boys of color were rooted in his belief that these issues must be addressed with compassion and understanding.

Maurice was also a fierce advocate for the mental health of educators and caregivers, elevating their concerns to the forefront of advocacy initiatives. He actively promoted the importance of mental health support for caregivers and participated in groundbreaking campaigns to improve the quality of care and compensation for child care staff in Washington, D.C. His work in establishing the Pay Equity Fund for Early Childhood Educators marked a significant step towards addressing longstanding inequities in the profession.

As a leader, Maurice embodied the principles he espoused, emphasizing advocacy and social justice as vital components of effective leadership. He believed that every individual within the early childhood education system should see themselves as change agents, striving to create high-quality programs that combat economic and social injustice.

Maurice’s writings and speeches inspired many across the nation, continuously motivating schools and communities to prioritize the well-being of children. He was in the process of exploring a new book focused on the importance of caregiving when he left us, a testament to his relentless dedication to improving the lives of others.

Maurice Sykes will be remembered not only for his significant contributions to early childhood education but also for his profound impact on those who had the privilege of knowing him. His spirit of advocacy and commitment to doing the right thing for children will live on in the hearts of all he inspired. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to influence the future of education for generations to come.