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Lake County agencies to offer Early Childhood Educator of the Year Award Program
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Child Care Planning Council and many other Lake County agencies, organizations and individuals, are uniting once again to honor Early Childhood Educators through the sixth-annual ECE Award program.
Each year, the event grows, as award-winners and nominees are honored by local dignitaries and leaders in the field.
“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 citizens of the future,” said Shelly Mascari of the Lake County Child Care Planning Council.
“Many of these educators have dedicated decades to their profession; their education in many cases equals that of the K-12 educator; and yet we were lacking a forum to recognize excellence in their field. The goal of the Early Childhood Educator award program is to do just that,” Mascari said.
Nomination forms are being distributed widely throughout the county through Lake County Office of Education and child care programs, and an online submission form is available to make nominating a professional as convenient as possible.
Winners will be selected based on a detailed interview and evaluation process that considers their education, commitment to their profession and effectiveness in their role as educators.
All nominees will be honored at the May 2 awards event and category awardees will receive a package that includes scholarships to our local community colleges, classroom materials, press recognition, award plaques and more.
Awards will be presented in the following categories:
- Provider of the Year (Family Child Care);
- Provider of the Year (Infant/Toddler-Center Based);
- Provider of the Year (Preschool-Center Based);
- Provider of the Year (After School-Center Based);
- Outstanding Special Needs Inclusion;
- Leading the Field.
To nominate a child care provider, visit www.lakecountychildcareplanning.com .
Nomination forms are available in English and Spanish and must be received by March 28.
Paper forms and fliers also are available by calling 707-262-4162.
To find out how to be involved in this program or support this important work financially, contact the Lake County Child Care Planning Council, 707-262-4162, www.lakecountychildcareplanning.com .