4C for Children is pleased to announce this year’s recipients of the June Sciarra Early Childhood Leadership award and the Early Childhood Educator Award. These individuals are being honored for their achievements and dedication to those they serve as they work to give children the best start in life.
June Sciarra Early Childhood Leadership Award
Congratulations to Kelly Bigham, recipient of this year’s 4C for Children June Sciarra Early Childhood Leadership Award. Kelly is currently the director at the five-star Step Up To Quality rated UC Early Learning Center. In the nomination application, Kelly is described as someone who elevates the field of Early Childhood. She “is committed to providing the highest quality of care for children and families in the Greater Cincinnati and now Northern Kentucky communities. She focuses on strengths of the children, families and staff members. She is the consummate professional. She elevates the profession.”
The June Sciarra Early Childhood Leadership Award recognizes child care program administrators for their outstanding service on behalf of children and families. Kelly will receive her award on Friday, October 26, during the 4C Leadership and Early Childhood Conference.
Early Childhood Educator Award
Congratulations to Melanie Howard, recipient of the inaugural 4C for Children Early Childhood Educator Award. Melanie is currently a Pre-K teacher at the four-star Step Up To Quality rated ABC Early Childhood Learning Center. In the nomination application, Melanie is described as a reliable and committed professional. She “takes the time to get to know each child, their families, and their routines. She is very tuned in to each child and aware of little changes in behaviors, and seeks to understand the underlying cause or change in routine that may be causing these changes in behaviors. She gets to know each child and their learning styles, which she talks openly about with parents and uses to implement her activities and teaching methods. She communicates daily with each parent and pick-up and drop-off, remembering specific, endearing things about each child’s day. She is a source of comfort for the families, and presents herself as a non-judgmental, supportive advocate for the parents.”
The Early Childhood Educator Award recognizes the extraordinary educators who impact children on a daily basis. Melanie will receive her award on Saturday, October 27, during the 4C Leadership and Early Childhood Conference.