Respect, Recognition, Reward: Why Action for Children’s Early Childhood Educator Awards Matter
08/15/25
Author: Paula Bester, Owner of EarlyPrep2Success and Action for Children’s 2024 Family Child Care of the Year Award Winner
Winning the Family Child Care Award was an incredibly humbling and emotional experience. When I received the news, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and pride. It felt like a recognition not just of my work, but of the collective effort of all early childhood educators who pour their hearts into nurturing and educating young minds.
This kind of recognition is so vital for the field of early education. It highlights the importance of quality care and education during the formative years of a child’s life. Acknowledging the dedication of family childcare providers underscores the critical role they play in shaping the future of our communities.
Such awards matter because they bring visibility to the often-overlooked contributions of early childhood educators. They serve as a reminder that the work we do is foundational to the development of children and, by extension, to the strength and resilience of society as a whole.
Being honored with this award not only validates the hard work and passion that goes into family child care but also inspires continued dedication to providing high-quality care and education for all children.
As Megan Powell, CEO of Rainbow Mulch and Award Sponsor, shared in her introduction for the Family Child Care Award, “These educators not only teach and nurture children, but they also transform their homes into places where learning, exploration, and play happen every day.“
*Rainbow Mulch offered Early Prep2Success a 10′ x 10′ surfacing or a $1,500 credit toward a larger play area to Paula as the 2024 Family Child Care Provider of the Year Award.
Watch Paula’s Award Winner video to learn more about Paula and her child care program!
About Action for Children: Action for Children is the local child care resource and referral agency for central Ohio, and is committed to assuring quality early learning experiences for all children. Our services focus on transforming the lives of children by supporting the everyday heroes who most influence our children’s early growth; care givers, educators, parents, and guardians. Learn More.