Governor's Award for Excellence in Early Care and Education
Each year, The Family & Workplace Connection coordinates the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Early Care and Education. The Women and the Law Section of the Delaware State Bar Association created the award in 1999 under Delaware Governor Thomas Carper. The awards have continued under current Governor Ruth Ann Minner.
The Governor’s Award for Excellence in Early Care and Education recognizes excellence among Delaware’s child care providers and centers. Families benefit and the economy flourishes when children receive high quality out-of-home care. Brain research emphasizes “windows of opportunity” for early learning. Excellent early care and education has long-term academic and social benefits, building the foundations for later success.
Now accepting nominations for 2008!
The planning committee is comprised of representatives from The Women and the Law Section of the Delaware State Bar Association, Delaware Department of Education, Delaware Division of Social Services (Purchase of Care), Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing, higher education institutions, Delaware Governor's Office, City of Wilmington, Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children, and The Family & Workplace Connection.
Award process
Early childhood educators from each county are honored, with awards in the following categories: family child care provider, teacher from a child care center or preschool, and child care center or preschool. Governor’s Award winners receive a certificate signed by Delaware’s Governor, a cash award, and a complementary dinner at a ceremony in the fall. Sponsors support the awards and the banquet.
The nomination process begins in April of each year. Eligible individuals should work directly with young children in child care centers, Head Start, ECAP, preschools, or family child care programs. Directors are not eligible for this award, unless they teach in the classroom on a regular basis. The nominated individuals should care for children in a group setting, ranging in age from birth through kindergarten.
Selection of award recipients is based on five criteria, adapted from professional guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Together, these represent a portrait of excellence in early care and education. Winners are chosen by an independent selection committee. In addition to evaluating the information provided in the nomination form, the committee also obtains information on the finalists from the Office of Child Care Licensing and observes the finalists in their child care setting. The committee recognizes and values that “excellence” is shown in different ways by educators who work with children of different ages and in different settings.
Questions? Contact Michelle Richards or call 302-479-1586.
The 2007 Governor's Award Banquet was held Thursday, October 4, 2007 at the Sheraton Dover Hotel.
