Christmas came early for a local daycare that was recognized with an award from the province, acknowledging the organization for its endless improvement, and family involvement within its program.
St. Paul's La Garderie Les Petits Oursons was awarded the Excellence in Child Development on Dec. 9. Director Pauline Suzcs shared the news during the centre's Christmas celebration on Thursday evening. The award is the highest a daycare can receive, says Suzcs.
The team’s passion and devotion to the children in its care has played a big part in its programs and services, Suzcs told a crowd of about 100 people, adding, she is proud of the organization's continued desire to learn and grow as professional educators.
“This award is a huge honour as it is one of the highest to receive as an educator and program within the child care field in Alberta,” Suzcs said. “It is also a great privilege to have received this award as we are a French daycare program serving families in a small rural community.”
The daycare is one of three programs to have been recognized within Alberta this year.
“We are grateful that the Minister of Child & Family Services recognizes the hard work and passion our team puts in every day,” Suzcs said. “This prestigious award motivates us to continue improving our expertise as Early Learning and Child Care Educators.”
The daycare has 28 children in its care with eight educators and has been in business for about five years, according to Suzcs.
On Thursday night, Santa Claus was also invited to the celebration, treating children with gifts, French books and music. Parents and children were also treated with supper as a thank-you from the daycare.
The Minister's Awards of Excellence in Child Development are given yearly to child development professionals who make life better for children and families.
