‘2013 Golden Apple Awards’ announced

WASILLA — The Early Childhood Partnership hosted the 2013 Golden Apple Awards at the Wasilla Chamber of Commerce meeting April 16. These awards acknowledge the critical role of childcare teachers and childcare facilities in providing quality early care and education. The teachers and facilities are selected for their commitment and dedication. This event also recognizes local champions of young children that make meaningful contributions to achievement and personal growth of our young ones.

The award categories are: Best for Babies (Trusted Provider 0-3 yrs), Child at Heart (Creative and Fun Teacher for 3-5 yrs), Champion of Young Children (Community Member/Parent), Peak Performer (Licensed childcare/preschool), Family Friendly Employer, and Kid Friendly Business (Caters to kids and families).

Best for Babies

Sheryl Morrow of Mat-Su Services for Children and Adults won the “Best for Babies.” Morrow was nominated for being an outstanding teacher for children 0-3 years old. While at MSSCA, Sheryl has been a visitation teacher. She is an important asset in many children’s lives and their learning. She brings joy every time she walks through the door and her care and compassion for kids shows through her excellence in teaching.

Champion of Young Children

Nicole Benoit received the “Champion of Young Children.” Benoit is a committed mom, parent, and strong community member. Benoit has taken it upon herself to organize the Sutton Elementary School (all-volunteer) library and goes out once a week to teach their students how to use the library. She also uses her time there to read stories with the children. Among many other talents, Benoit is the treasurer of the PTA group. Not only does she help at the school, Benoit organized a fundraiser to benefit a Sutton family that lost everything to a house fire. She is committed to do whatever it takes to make the best environment for her school and community. Benoit is a champion for kids, home, and community.

Other community members nominated for this award were Felicia Pridgen, Lisa Bell, Brenda Adair, and Pat Smith.

These distinguished individuals represent the best in the field of early childhood education and are committed to helping every child in their charge achieve their full potential. They receive their award for their outstanding dedication and passion.

Peak Performer

A Touch of Home Child Care received the “Peak Performer.” Ruth Padua owns a Touch of Home Child Care and the center’s head administrator is Brandi Sieler. At A Touch of Home, the whole staff enjoys and loves all the children; one can feel that as soon as they open the front door. Children at the childcare learn sign language, basic skills, and art. Not only that, the staff makes sure to teach them about faith and sharing. This group goes above and beyond for the children who attend their center; taking on children who are diabetic, as well as, being willing to take them on a part time basis. As one nominator said, “They are truly like a family to me and my son! Always, looking out for his best interest.” The other outstanding childcare facilities nominated were Noah’s Ark Childcare and Kid Zoo LLC.

Local businesses and employers are also recognized during the Golden Apple Awards for helping employees balance work and family responsibilities along with being kid friendly. Not only does a “family friendly” philosophy create a more productive work environment and greater employee loyalty and morale, it also contributes to families raising children that become better students and citizens.

Child at Heart

Sally Forss of CCS Early Learning won the “Child at Heart.” Forss was nominated for her caring nature for each of the students in her classroom. She recognizes the needs of her students and their families and provides the care and support they need. Forss has great perception in recognizing the emotions and stresses the children can bring and will adapt her classroom in order to help meet the needs of her children. She takes the time to partner with her families to help them access resources. Forss is a great teacher and takes the time to know her kids, their families and assist each one to learn and grow.

Other exceptional teachers nominated for this award included Cassandra Green of Ray’s Child Care and Kanie Whaley of Kid Zoo LLC.

Family Friendly Employer

Family Centered Services of Alaska won the Family Friendly Employer for support of their foster group homes. The company is understanding of family needs and helping them get through tough times. They provide time off for parent/teacher conferences, school events, and allow for flexible work schedules. Employees there feel fully supported and enjoy their jobs. Double Eagle Real Estate was also nominated for this award for their family friendly environment, a place where employees can bring infants and school-age children.

Kid Friendly Business

Lastly, the winner of the Kid Friendly Business is Alaska Sales and Service. They were nominated for their ongoing support of child passenger safety in the Mat-Su. For more than 13 years, Diana Pfeiffer, CEO/President along with Rob Wissler, Service Manager has made available a safe, warm environment for families concerned with traveling safely. They are partnered with Safe Kids Alaska and the, “Safe Kids Buckle Up Child Passenger Safety Program,” led by Mat-Su Services for Children and Adults. Alaska Sales and Service provide their Service Center for monthly car seat safety checks, store safe kids materials in the facility and provide a meeting room and kitchen privileges for training weeks. The other businesses nominated for this award were Larson Chiropractic, Life Family Chiropractic, HeartReach Pregnancy Center, Turn-A-Leaf, Just Imagine Toys, and Growing Spurts.

The luncheon recognizes all the people in our community who help our children everyday, not for glory, fame, or money, but out of the kindness and genuine love from their heart. Thank you to all those who help support our little ones.

The Early Childhood Partnership of Mat-Su is a Best Beginnings group focused on serving young children and their families. The partnership has been in existence since 2009 and focused on mobilizing people and resources to ensure all children in the Mat-Su begin school ready to succeed. Visit matsufamilies.org.

— Submitted by Early Childhood Partnership