2024 Provider Recognition Awards
Honoring Child Care Providers and Their Impact on the Future
We had a special night to say thank you to child care providers for their hard work. At the awards event, we celebrated how much they care for kids. The event was for providers who finished training programs like CCIP and Pathways (also called Gateways).
Book-Themed Inspiration
The event was inspired by the book Behind the Little Red Door by Coy Bowles. This theme connected with the audience because it showed how child care providers help kids use their imagination and feel safe. Just like in the book, providers open their own “little red doors” every day—creating places where children can learn, grow, and feel cared for.
Thanking from the Heart
Looking back on the event’s success, Luis Valadez, Program Supervisor, shared his sincere thanks:
"I do not even know how to BEGIN to thank our staff for all the incredible work put in over the past few months and particularly over the past few days. I am completely in awe of how on top of things they manage to be and how EASY they make things for our participants. Speaking of our participants, I am so amazed on the incredible dedication and commitment they all have. They have devoted countless hours in their professional development, which only shows how incredible they truly are. Our Provider Recognition Awards Ceremony was a small token of our appreciation as they have continued to be the heroes our children deserve."
Guest Speaker
Ms. Andrea Baines, a well-known leader in childcare training and support, gave an inspiring main speech. She has more than 20 years of experience and has worked in many jobs, including as an IRS agent and business teacher. Ms. Baines talked about how important it is for childcare providers to keep learning and growing in their work. Her speech showed why being a leader and always learning is so important in childcare.
Reaching Big Milestones
Some special providers were recognized for reaching important goals in their training hours. Deepani Karunaratne, Amparo Bernales, Maria Lourdes Jimenez, and Deidre Ivery stood out for finishing over 100 hours of training. Their hard work shows how much they care about learning and doing their best.
Raffle Winners
To make the event more fun, several people won prizes in a raffle. Tracy Byrd won a multicultural set. Maria Ivonne Vazquez got a Music Kit. Liliann Valle took home the Dramatic Play Kit. Lucia Buenrostro won a Block Area Kit. The biggest prize, a Canopy Set, went to Nancy Campos. Everyone was happy and enjoyed the party!
Giving Support
The ceremony also said thank you to the Rotary Club for their donations. Their help made the event happen and helped child care workers keep doing their important work.
Final Thoughts
The Provider Recognition Awards Ceremony was more than a party. It showed how important child care providers are to our communities. They work hard to help kids grow and learn every day. We want to say congratulations to all the providers who were honored. We also thank everyone who helped make the event great.
This year’s award ceremony was inspired by the book Behind the Little Red Door by Coy Bowles. The story is about being curious, brave, and believing in possibilities. Just like in the book, we celebrated the amazing child care providers who help children feel safe to explore, dream, and find out what’s behind their own “little red doors.”
