National Child Care Provider Awards

On May 7th KCET and WETA Television hosted the second annual National Child Care Provider Awards in Washington DC. 17 honorees from across the country that are truly committed to the care of children under the age of five were recognized and celebrated.

Among them was Noel Fattah from Lakewood, Ohio. These everyday heroes encourage us to make sure that all children are given the best start in life that we can provide. They have all been featured as “Child Care Providers of the Week” on A Place of Our Own and its Spanish language companion, Los Niños en Su Casa. These two daily talk-show series provide helpful tips and activities for child care providers, parents, grandparents – anyone who takes care of young children.

Noel Fattah has opened her Lakewood family home to teach and care for little ones for the past 13 years. When asked what keeps her going, she says hearing “Ms. Noel, I love you” on a daily basis makes all her hard work worthwhile. She includes in her daily curriculum arts and crafts, nature walks, and learning from events in their community – all of which are designed to help children build a strong foundation for the school years ahead.  Noel is an accredited child care provider.  She has completed her CDA and is currently taking courses towards a bachelor’s degree. Noel was presented her award by Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich.

In the photos: Noel Fattah, Hosts Elizabeth Sanchez & Alina Rosario (top); Noel Fattah & ideastream’s Courtney Muzzio (bottom)

Additionally, the six family child care providers featured by ideastream this year (Beverly Milo, Brenda Assian, Cassandra Thompson, MaryBeth Bush, Maya Bey-Thomas and Yolanda Knight) were honored in Columbus, OH on May 13th.  Each were acknowledged for the hard work and dedication to children by their state representatives and treated to a special recognition dinner and hotel stay on Capitol Square.