Early educators among honored at ELC Stand for Children Gala

On June 1st, the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) celebrated National Stand for Children Day with its annual Stand for Children event, transformed into an elegant evening gala this year. This special occasion was dedicated to honoring outstanding early childhood educators from across Manatee County.

In the realm of early childhood education, one of the most crucial yet challenging domains is Instructional Support, assessed using the CLASS evaluation system. This system ensures that Manatee County's School Readiness and VPK programs deliver the highest-quality education to our youngest learners. Achieving a high score in Instructional Support on a scale of 1 to 7 requires intentional and instinctive teaching methods.

Stephanie Lenart and Cassidy Forrest from WEE World Child Development Center were recognized as runners-up for the Early Educator of the Year Award, scoring an impressive 6 on the CLASS scale. Each received $500 in recognition of their dedication and skill.

Claiming the title of Early Educators of the Year were Claire Handley-White and Tereza Alvarenga, educators at Trinity Children's Center. They achieved an exceptional score of 6.92 in the Instructional Support domain, each earning $1000 for their outstanding efforts.

Beyond the classroom, early education thrives in a nurturing environment that encompasses schools and the broader community. The gala also honored Gloria Martinez from Reaching for the Stars Academy with the Outstanding Leadership in Early Education Award. Her $5000 prize will fund quarterly team-building activities, fostering a supportive atmosphere for both students and staff.

The Paul Sharff Children’s Champion Award was bestowed upon Vernon DeSear, a respected community leader recognized for his extensive contributions to the arts, healthcare advocacy, and senior management at Manatee Memorial Hospital. His dedication to local nonprofits through the Manatee Memorial Foundation exemplifies his commitment to investing in young children.

The Stand for Children Gala not only celebrated excellence in education but also raised funds for vital ELC initiatives, including the Reading Pals program. This initiative pairs mentors with individual VPK students to enhance their reading and writing skills, while nurturing a love for books. Over the past year, more than 3,100 books were distributed, enriching the personal libraries of participating children.

The gala's success was made possible by the generous support of sponsors and local businesses, whose donations, both monetary and through silent auction items, contributed significantly to ELC’s mission.