VICTORIA - To recognize the work of B.C.'s outstanding early childhood educators, the provincial government is celebrating the B.C. recipients of the current Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education, Minister of State for Child Care Linda Reid announced today.
"It takes a special person to work in this field and these individuals deserve our appreciation," said Reid. "This is a wonderful opportunity for us to honour these nationally recognized child care providers for their hard work and dedication to our province's youngest citizens: our children."
The Prime Minister's Awards acknowledge the efforts of Canada's best early childhood educators who excel at promoting the development and socialization of children. Nine of B.C.'s best early childhood educators have been recognized for their work. They include:
* Natalie Lucas - Valhalla Children's Centre, Slocan
* Susan Middlemiss - St. Margaret's School, Victoria
* Angela Roy - North Okanagan Childcare Society, Vernon
* Lillian Spurr - Inlet Montessori School, Port Moody
* Beverly Superle - Mount Seymour Preschool, North Vancouver
* Catherine Burnett - Early Discoveries Pre-school and Kids Club, WestVancouver
* Ellen Elizabeth James - Advantage Preschool, Burnaby
* Sherry Page - Nutsumaat Lelum, Chemainus First Nation, Ladysmith
* Neermala Tulsie - Lynnmour Creative Child Care Centre, North Vancouver
B.C. continues its efforts to enhance the healthy development of its youngest citizens. The provincial government recently announced nearly $4.5 million in grants to support early childhood educators in their ongoing professional development, and to organizations that offer early childhood training opportunities.
The Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education recognize Canada's best early childhood educators. Established in 2002, these awards are the only national awards that recognize the work of early childhood educators.
For biographies of the award recipients, please visit:
http://pma-ppm.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/pmaece-ppmepe.nsf/en/Home 