The notion that early childhood programs represent little more than babysitting has been hard to shake in Georgia but increasingly policymakers are recognizing what researchers have long insisted: The most critical time for brain development is from birth to 3 years old.
While funding remains woefully inadequate, the Georgia Legislature now seems to understand that investments in early childhood programs and educators pay off in improved academic outcomes. Increasing funding for such early child care programs and helping more parents afford them ought to be top agenda items for the General Assembly next month.
That’s why it’s important to acknowledge the dedication and impact of early childhood educators, including three recently chosen as Georgia’s Early Childhood Educators of the Year by the state Department of Early Care and Learning.
“Child care teachers working with infants, toddlers and preschoolers are not babysitters,” said DECAL Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs. “These early childhood educators are professionals who play a crucial role in building a strong foundation for children’s academic, physical and social growth. These Early Childhood Educators of the Year awards honor teachers who demonstrate excellence in caring for Georgia’s youngest learners in child care settings. Their dedication to providing high-quality care and early education is shaping the future of our children, communities and state.”
DECAL named Samantha Mullins from Our House Inc. in Atlanta the 2024-2025 Georgia Early Childhood Educator of the Year in the preschool category. The award in the infant category went to Zina Hadjaz from the Quadrilingual Academy in Smyrna, while the honoree in the toddler category was Laura Silva from My Little Geniuses Daycare in Marietta.
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
Winners serve as ambassadors for Georgia’s Early Childhood Educators of the Year program. Georgia child care program directors nominate teachers, and winners are selected from six finalists based on a classroom observation and an interview with a panel of early childhood experts.
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
According to DECAL, Mullins has worked with the Our House organization for more than 10 years as an educator. With a bachelor of science degree in early childhood education leadership, Mullins believes she can make a difference in her community by promoting the importance of supporting young children through quality early education.
The Georgia Foundation for Early Care + Learning awarded winners $3,000 for personal use, $2,000 for a classroom makeover and up to $2,500 for schools to cover travel costs and stipends for substitute teachers as the teacher fulfills their duties as Georgia’s Early Childhood Educators of the Year.
Candidates for the titles must have been employed as a lead teacher in the age group for which they were nominated at a licensed two- or three-star Quality Rated child care program that is in good standing with all programs administered by DECAL. They must have a minimum of three years of experience as a lead teacher and plan to continue as a lead teacher in the 2024-2025 school year.
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