Jun 28, 2010

The Tallahassee Museum’s Preschool was named Child Care Program of the Year by the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region. At a June 18 “Evening With The Stars” program, the Early Learning Coalition presented the award to the Museum’s Preschool for its excellent service in the field of early childhood education. It was one of nine preschools nominated for Child Care Program of the Year by early childhood professionals, educators and parents in the region that includes Leon, Liberty, Gadsden, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison and Taylor counties.

Early Learning Coalition Board Chairman Larry DiPietro presented the award, given in recognition of child-care programs that best exemplify innovation, dedication, leadership, respect for children and families, and commitment to professional growth.

Congratulations to Early Childhood Coordinator Karen Gay, along with the talented and dedicated Preschool staff, who are: Jessica Andrews, teacher; Jennifer Strike, teacher; Shawn Sharpton, aide; Sheila Blanton, aide; and Sara Dunbar, aide.

Also this year, the Tallahassee Museum Preschool earned prestigious national accreditation from the Accredited Professional Preschool Learning Environment (APPLE). This accreditation is awarded to preschools that undergo rigorous examination to demonstrate the highest of standards in the field. Approximately 700 preschool programs nationwide are APPLE-accredited.

In Florida, APPLE is accepted into the Gold Seal of Quality program, through which the Museum’s Preschool has again earned the Gold Seal Quality of Care designation presented by the Florida Department of Children and Families Child Care Service. The designation is awarded to child-care facilities accredited by national accrediting associations whose standards meet or exceed the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the National Association of Family Child Care, and the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation Commission.