The Week of the Young Child, now in its 40th year, is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The purpose of the Week of the Young Child is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. The 2011 Week of the Young Child was celebrated April 10-16 with the theme “Early Years are Learning Years.”

 GSA centers across the nation were busy celebrating WOYC.  Many Federal managers who don’t get the chance to visit the centers too often were invited for ribbon cuttings, garden plantings, sharing favorite books, sharing meals and staff recognition events.    

 Celebrating teachers is always one of my favorite things to do.  Special recognition this year goes to teachers from Puerto Rico, Indianapolis, IN, and Auburn, WA. 

  From Rain Forest Kids in PR:  Alexandra Rodriguez is a preschool teacher with 6 years of experience.  She has great communication with parents and her staff.  She is very creative and inventive, known for her science projects with her children.  She is a team player who often helps administration with other tasks.

From Rain Forest Kids in PR:  Denise Garcia is a preschool teacher with 5 years of experience.  She is a leader, and her classroom teammate’s look up to her for guidance. She communicates effectively with her staff, encourages them in every aspect of their day from children’s activities to professional development to the NAEYC accreditation process.  The center benefits from her organizational skills. 

 From Rain Forest Kids in PR:  Judimar Scharon is a new teacher in the infant classroom.  As a first year Head Teacher she has done extraordinary work with her children and her classroom.  She has a gift with creating developmentally appropriate environments and being able to change up the room as needed.  She is loving and creative making up rhymes and handmade books.  Her parents and babies are happy.  She goes out of her way to help other staff and the center as well.  

Ellen Fisher from Building Blocks, in Auburn, WA was recognized this year as well.  She was identified as a key member of the staff and described as someone with a “heart of gold” who makes a lasting impact on the toddlers and families in her care.

 And final shout out goes to Amanda Childress from Indianapolis Day Nursery Federal Center in Indiana.  In describing her efforts I read words like: reliable, caring, special, comforting and attentive.  One parent is quoted as saying she “treats my child like I would treat her”.  It sounds like she has created a wonderful place for the children to be. 

 Thanks to the teachers above and all the staff this year for really fulfilling the dream of early years are learning years.

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