Pennsylvania’s Acting Secretary of Human Services Val Arkush poses for a photo with the recipients of the 2023 Champion for Equality in Early Childhood Education Awards on April 18, 2023, in Harrisburg. (Photo courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services)
HARRISBURG – Norristown and Jenkintown Early Learning Centers were named Gold Level presenters at the 2023 Early Childhood Education Champions Awards on Tuesday, April 18.
The Children’s Ukrainian Learning Center in Jenkintown and St. Francis ELC in Norristown were among the centers honored at a ceremony presided over by State Human Services Secretary Val Arkosh.
The award’s second annual presentation featured more than 50 recipients, who are dedicated to providing services to children and families focused on “promoting equitable practices” and promoting “strong beginnings and lifelong benefits for all children,” according to a statement from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
“Healthy and safe learning environments provide our children with a foundation for development, and every child — regardless of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background — should have the opportunity to learn and thrive,” Arkush said in a statement. “We cannot underestimate the impact that a diverse and inclusive early childhood education can have in helping a child celebrate their individual identity as well as on the path of the entire family, and I am grateful to these dedicated professionals for their commitment to the children and future of Penn State.”
Other organizations from Montgomery County are highlighted, as follows:
Silver-level recipients include Cedar Tree Child Care, of Elkins Park, and Precious One’s Child Care Center Inc. , in Jenkintown. Teresa Pallodi, of the Montgomery County Early Learning Resource Center, District 17, Norristown is listed as a Bronze Level Award recipient.
“I am very proud of the early childhood education providers and specialists across the state of Pennsylvania, and I enjoy the opportunity to highlight the following programs to advance their communities,” said Shante Brown, deputy secretary of the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Education. , in the current situation. “The work around equity and inclusion is so important and I am excited to recognize and celebrate this work again this year and for many years to come.”