Terrific teachers for little learners

Milford — If you are a parent who has ever needed a day care program for a pre-schooler, you are no doubt aware of how important such a facility is. Here in Pennsylvania, minimum standards for childcare educators are higher than in the past and as demand grows for preschool programs, the emphasis on quality is also growing. That is a good thing. Just ask Luann Genovas. She is passionate when it comes to the educational needs of young children. In fact, as a long-time advocate for early childhood education, she founded the non-profit organization R.E.E.CH.E., which stands for Recognizing Excellence in Early Childhood Education. That was in the year 2000. Today, the organization lists teachers, daycare professionals, and administrators among its members, all of whom share a common goal: to provide a solid foundation that will give our youngest learners a leg-up to help them succeed in school and beyond. As Genovas puts it, “A child’s first interaction with a teacher can make a difference that affects their entire school experience.” The subject comes into sharp focus each year during one week in April: The Week of the Young Child, designated by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), an early childhood education association. This year, that week begins on Apr. 19 and runs through Apr. 25. All events for the week are planned at the local level and it is Genovas’s wish that these events will help generate a public excitement about the early care and education of children. “We need to celebrate young learners and to honor those who teach them,” she says. Genovas estimates there are close to 200 teachers in Pike County who help educate children in nine daycare centers and two smaller home-based childcare facilities. She adds, “Parents need to know that when their children are in a program, they are in a safe, fun and challenging environment.” To help recognize the efforts of individuals and the programs that serve young children, Genovas is looking forward to The Week of the Young Child. There will be three main events the public is invited to attend. The kick-off event, Kids Are Great Day, is on Apr. 19 at Airport Park in Matamoras. There will be free hot dogs, kid friendly activities, and entertainment for the entire family. On Apr. 22, a children’s parade takes place in Milford. That’s when children, parents, teachers, community members and the Delaware Valley Band will help celebrate the young learner. The parade through Milford streets ends at the Pike County Administration building, where the commissioners will greet the marchers. Finally, on Apr. 24, R.E.E.CH.E. recognizes the professional members of the early childcare field with awards. Nominations are being accepted for these awards. For information on how you can nominate someone, go to www.reeche4kids.org. Find out more R.E.E.CH.E is a non-profit organization which serves the tri-state area. Membership is open to all individuals who care about young learners and their teachers. Email is reeche4kids@yahoo.com. or call 570-491-9888. Web site is www.reeche4kids.org