LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Child Care Planning Council recognized some of the county's best educators at its annual Early Childhood Educator of the Year Award Dinner on Friday, May 4.
The dinner, at The Lodge at Blue Lakes, offered recognition and valuable award packages to 11 exceptional early childhood educators.
Approximately 200 attendees and many Lake County organizations, businesses and individuals offered significant support to make this event possible.
Lake County Department of Social Services; Lake Family Resource Center; North Coast Opportunities; Lake County Office of Education, Child Development Division; Nurturing Parenting Program; Redwood Empire Association for the Education of Young Children and Yuba College were significant supporters, along with many others.
Many local dignitaries, including Supervisors Anthony Farrington and Denise Rushing, Lake County Superintendent of Schools Wally Holbrook and Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen attended the event and presented awards to the honorees.
“It is encouraging to see our community’s organizations and leaders unite in recognition of the valuable contribution early childhood educators make throughout Lake County,” said Shelly Mascari, director of the Lake County Child Care Planning Council.
Approximately 60 nominations were received for Lake County providers in recognition of commitment to excellence by their peers, community members and the families they serve.
Winners were selected based on a detailed interview and evaluation process that took into consideration education, commitment to their profession, answers to specific interview questions and effectiveness in their role as educators.
Early childhood educators contribute significantly to our communities.
Quality early childhood education dramatically impacts high school graduation rates, keeps our communities working, and helps Lake County develop productive, effective, happy citizens of the future.
“Many of these educators have dedicated decades to their profession, in the face of dramatic budget cuts and statewide funding priorities that work in opposition to consistent, quality care,” said Mascari. “Their education, in many cases, equals that of the K-12 educator, and this program provides a forum to recognize that commitment and the important work they do.”
The 2012 Early Childhood Educators of the Year include the following.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Cindy Adams, Lake County Office of Education
Leading the Field Award
Sara Brucker, The Learning House
Special Needs Advocate of the Year
Jami White, Lake Family Resource Center
Provider of the Year: Infant/Toddler
Sarah Solgat, Early Head Start
Provider of the Year: Preschool
Sajeanne Burgoyne, Early Connection Preschool, Kelseyville
Provider of the Year: School Age
Nicole Schnabl, Kid Connection After School Program, Lower Lake Elementary
Provider of the Year: Family Child Care
Sarah Hanson
Volunteer of the Year
Lourdes Aguirre, AmeriCorps Member, Early Connection Preschool, Lakeport
Sparkle Award Recipients
Kim Beale, Family Child Care Provider
Jody Mederos, Pearl Head Start
Maryellen Bowman, Meadowbrook/Pearl Head Start