Each year since 2003, the Child Care Council presents the Champions for Children Awards to individuals and organizations who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to bright futures for children by creating or funding life-changing programs and initiatives. At the same event, the Council presents Joey Awards to professional care providers and community leaders who make outstanding contributions to child care and quality of life for children and working parents.
Congresswoman Lowey is a Champion for Children because of her advocacy work on behalf of early childhood education and after school. As the senior Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, she has led efforts to increase funding in several priority areas, most notably Head Start, child care, and public broadcasting. Head Start investments increased by more than $1 billion in the last two years, and a new Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership initiative has been created. New York Head Start providers will likely receive more than $500 million this year. The 2015 spending bill also funds the Child Care Development Block grant at its all-time highest level. Congresswoman Lowey successfully led the fight against efforts to dismantle public broadcasting, which offers high-quality, educational programming for children and families.
“Investing in our children is one of the smartest investments we can make,” said Congresswoman Lowey. “Early education, strong after school programs, and support for high-need pupils give our students the opportunity to succeed. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have fought to increase funding for education initiatives that reduce achievement gaps, provide students and teachers with the resources to thrive in a 21st century economy, and offer affordable child care for working parents. I thank the Child Care Council of Westchester for this award and their tremendous work in our community. I will continue to work with local leaders to ensure our children’s education needs are met.”
Family Services of Westchester (FSW) will be honored as a Champion for Children for their work to improve the lives of children and families through 25 different programs, including those focused on adoption and foster care, Head Start/Early Head Start and other early learning initiatives, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and a variety of youth programs and family support services.
“The Board and staff of FSW are thrilled that the Child Care Council of Westchester has selected us to receive the 2015 ‘Champions of Children’ award,” said Susan Wayne, President and CEO of Family Services of Westchester. “We are both honored to be recognized for our work and inspired to continue our efforts on behalf of the children of Westchester County. When we contribute to the well-being of a child, we have a positive impact on everyone’s future.”
Sarah Lawrence College will be recognized as a Champion for providing quality early care and education through its Early Childhood Center and the Child Development Institute, and for preparing the early education workforce through Art of Teaching and Child Development graduate degree programs.
"I am thrilled that the Child Care Council of Westchester has chosen to recognize our Early Childhood Center, Child Development Institute, Child Development and Art of Teaching graduate programs and their long-standing commitment to supporting child-centered, experiential, and meaningful education for all,”said Jerrilynn Dodds, Dean of Sarah Lawrence College.
"I am happy to see two of our exceptional degree programs recognized by the Child Care Council of Westchester,” said Judith Babbitts, Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies. “Both the Art of Teaching and the Child Development Program have at their core deep observation of how children learn. Graduates of these programs understand how to guide a child’s development with sensitivity to the cultural and individual differences children bring to exploring the world around them. Students in the Child Development Program draw on the resources available through our Early Childhood Center, to do research and observation, and our Child Development Institute for outreach to our local community in Yonkers, Westchester and New York City.”
For more information about the Annual Awards Breakfast, including sponsorship opportunities and ticket prices, contact Dana Lawless at (914) 761-3456 x127 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit www.childcarewestchester.org.
About the Child Care Council of Westchester
The Child Care Council of Westchester is a private, nonprofit resource organization that champions the healthy development of children, families and communities by promoting quality early care and education. A unique, “one stop” agency for child care, the Council offers parent referrals, training, information, technical assistance, reports on the industry, and public education for parents, child care programs, governmental organizations and the business community. Since its inception in 1968, the Council has grown to become the premier authority on child care services throughout Westchester County. The Council recently attained Quality Assurance, establishing it as one of the nation’s leading Child Care Resource and Referral agencies (CCR&Rs). The national recognition was awarded by Child Care Aware® of America.
Contact:
Hillary Millman, In Better Words
(914) 295-0454
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