HARRISBURG, PA — In a ceremony held at the Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday, Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Department of Education (PDE) honored the third annual Equity in Early Childhood Education (ECE) Champion Awards. More than 35 individuals and programs received accolades for their exceptional contributions to fostering equity in early childhood education across the Commonwealth.
The awards ceremony, led by DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh and PDE Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, spotlighted the critical role of inclusivity and diversity in providing quality educational services to children and families. It underscored the state’s commitment to ensuring that all children, irrespective of their background, have access to opportunities that facilitate strong starts and offer lifelong benefits.
“Healthy and inclusive learning environments give our children a strong foundation to grow and thrive. Every child regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background should have the opportunity to celebrate their individual identity and feel welcomed while in our early education programs,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “I am grateful to the dedicated professionals honored today who, through their work, demonstrate their steadfast commitment to Pennsylvania’s children and their future by creating inclusive and safe spaces for them to learn and succeed.”
“Today and every day, I am proud to celebrate the inspiring professionals in early childhood education, for they are truly the architects of our children’s futures,” said Secretary Mumin. “Through their dedication, they pave the way for every child to have the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed. Their unwavering commitment to quality care ignites hope, transforms lives, and builds bridges to a brighter tomorrow for all.”
The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) plays a pivotal role in recognizing the efforts of educators and programs dedicated to eliminating structural barriers to equitable learning. This year’s GOLD level awards highlighted institutions and professionals who have not just embraced diversity and inclusion as strengths but have actively worked towards embedding principles of fairness and justice within their educational frameworks.
Among the recipients are centers like the Bennett Family Center at University Park and the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, which have been recognized for enhancing equitable practices within their operations. Other awardees, including the Chelten Child Development Center and French Creek Valley Christian Childcare, were celebrated for their innovative approaches to early childhood education that prioritize equity.
The awards were categorized into GOLD, SILVER, and BRONZE levels, with each category celebrating the varying degrees of impact these programs have had within their communities and beyond. Notable among the silver awardees are the AIU/Steel Valley Family Center and Brightside Academy, recognized for their significant contributions to creating inclusive learning environments.
Bronze level recognitions went to individuals like Dr. Shawna Starling of Brightside Academy, among others, for their personal contributions to advancing equity in early education.
These awards come at a crucial time when the importance of early childhood education is increasingly recognized not just for academic preparation but for its role in shaping societal attitudes towards diversity and inclusivity. Programs like these set a precedent for how educational institutions can play a fundamental part in dismantling systemic inequalities from an early age, thus contributing to a more equitable society.
The ECE Champion Awards not only celebrate the achievements of these educators and programs but also serve as a call to action for others in the educational sector to prioritize equity in their curriculum and operations. By fostering an environment where diversity is valued, and each child’s unique needs are addressed, Pennsylvania sets a benchmark for early childhood education nationwide.
This initiative by the DHS and PDE exemplifies Pennsylvania’s dedication to building a foundation for a future where every child, regardless of their background, can thrive and achieve their potential. Through these awards, the state champions the belief that an equitable start in life is a critical stepping stone to achieving lifelong success and well-being.
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