Arlington, VA - Child Care Aware® of America (CCAoA), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), National Head Start Association (NHSA), and National Indian Child Care Association (NICCA) would like to congratulate Kristy Whitley and the deserving staff at Mount Moriah Child Development Center in Matthews, North Carolina. They have been named Provider of the Month for July 2015, the first provider to be honored through the new campaign.
The Provider of the Month campaign was launched this year in conjunction with Provider Appreciation Day on May 8, 2015 to honor outstanding child care providers and early childhood educators who exemplify what it means to be a quality care provider for children.
We have long known that adults who interact with young children have the potential to add significant value to their development and overall health and well-being, and Kristy Whitley and her staff at Mount Moriah Child Development Center go above and beyond every day with the children in their care.
They set the bar for all other providers with their way of welcoming families to visit and interact with their children throughout the day, emphasizing the critical partnerships between families and teachers of young children. Weekly lesson plans also include multicultural activities and developmentally appropriate toys and materials that reflect the diversity in the classroom.
Fleece Pierce, mother to a four month old son at Mount Moriah CDC, nominated Kristy Whitley and her staff for the award:
As a working mom I was hesitant of leaving my baby in daycare, thinking he was not going to receive the attention, interaction, or love needed that I could provide. …I am beyond happy I have found the quality service at Mt. Moriah - our baby boy comes home smiling, giggling, rested and happy each day…when you see happy children each time you know you have chosen a great facility.
Kristy Whitley names Bonnie Long, current supervisor for Cabarrus County Schools (North Carolina), as her mentor. Whitley says, “God placed it in my heart to become a child provider … I went to school and received my Early Childhood Education degree.” Whitley's father opened the facility, Mount Moriah Child Development Center, attached to his church, in 2000 with only one child and have grown to now care for 40 children.
We’re grateful to exemplary providers like Whitley and her staff – they’re adding significant value to the development and overall health and well-being of the children in their care.
Congratulations to Kristy Whitley and the staff at Mount Moriah Child Development Center! As the first winner of this award, she is a model for other child care providers. Whitley will be recognized at the Child Care Aware® of America 2016 annual meeting alongside other exemplary providers across the country.
Nominate an Outstanding Provider
Do you know an outstanding provider or early childhood educator who is deserving of the Provider of the Month award? Visit www.providerappreciationday.org for details on how to nominate them, and help Child Care Aware® of America and partner organizations honor those providers that go above and beyond every day!
Child Care Aware of America
Child Care Aware of America is our nation’s leading voice for child care. CCAoA works with state and local Child Care Resource and Referral agencies (CCR&Rs) and other community partners to ensure that all families have access to quality, affordable child care. CCAoA leads projects that increase the quality and availability of child care, offer comprehensive training to child care professionals, undertake research, and advocate for child care policies that improve the lives of children and families. To learn more, visit usa.childcareaware.org. Follow them on Twitter @USAChildCare and on Facebook at facebook.com/usachildcare.
National Association for the Education of Young Children
NAEYC's mission is to promote high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. NAEYC advances a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and supports all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children. Learn more at www.naeyc.org.
National Head Start Association
The National Head Start Association (NHSA) is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization committed to the belief that every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to succeed in life. The opportunities offered by Head Start lead to healthier, empowered children and families, and stronger, more vibrant communities. NHSA is the voice for more than 1 million children, 200,000 staff and 1,600 Head Start grantees in the United States. For more information about NHSA, visit www.nhsa.org.
National Indian Child Care Association
The mission of National Indian Child Care Association is to unify tribes and tribal organizations to promote high quality culturally relevant child care and development. National Indian Child Care Association will provide leadership, support, and communication on behalf of Native American children, families, and communities. To learn more about NICCA, visit www.nicca.us or follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/nicca.us.
