Apple Tree Children’s Centers Congratulates Three Teachers on National Recognition in Early Childhood Education

Apple Tree Children’s Centers Congratulates Three Teachers on National Recognition in Early Childhood Education

Teachers Received Prestigious Terri Lynne Lokoff/Children's TYLENOL® National Child Care Teacher Award on Thursday, April 3, 2014 in Philadelphia, PA

(Johnston, IA) – April, 8 2014- Apple Tree Children’s Centers, long known for providing quality early care and educational experience throughout Des Moines and Iowa City is pleased to announce that three of their teachers received the Terri Lynne Lokoff/Children's TYLENOL® National Child Care Teacher Award at a ceremony at the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, PA on Thursday, April 3, 2014.

Early childhood teachers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and on U.S. Military bases and installations around the world were invited to apply. Of the 50 teachers recognized for their commitment and dedication to the children they serve, three are from Apple Tree.

In the past 12 years, 25 Apple Tree teachers have received the Terri Lynne Lokoff/Children's TYLENOL® National Child Care Teacher Award. This year’s award winning recipients are Monica Kuennen from the Clive, IA location; Tammy Lathrop from the West Des Moines, IA location; and Brandy Melton from the Johnston, IA location. Both Lathrop and Melton are previous winners and both have been National Teacher of the Year Nominees.

“We are over the moon with the exciting news that three of our incredibly dedicated and passionate teachers have received this prestigious award,” says Kristen Hopton, Regional Director of Apple Tree Children's Centers. “The enthusiasm, care and attention our teachers provide, establishes an early hunger for learning in our students. We are honored to have each of these recipients as members of the Apple Tree family.”

As a part of the application process, each candidate was asked to design a classroom enhancement project for the children they teach illustrating the educational, social, and emotional benefits of the project. This year’s award winning programs included Monica Kuennen’s “The Power of Print,” a language and literature expansion program for preschool aged children with Beginning to Read Puzzles and more; Tammy Lathrop’s “Exploring the Power of Sensory Play” for infants; and Brandy Melton’s “1,2,3…Math and Me,” focusing on the relationship of math skills between boys and girls. Award recipients receive $1,000 - $500 for the teacher's personal use and $500 to implement the project in the classroom.

About Apple Tree Children’s Centers: Established in 1985, Apple Tree Children’s Centers is an award winning leader in early childhood education offering infant, toddler, preschool and before/after school programs. Apple Tree Children’s Centers meet and exceed compliance with all applicable state and national agencies, including accreditation through NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) and earning 5-Star ratings through Iowa’s Quality Rating System (QRS).   Our program is designed to gently stimulate each child to their full potential, to approach each developmental milestone with enthusiasm, persistence and joy. Our job is to make sure that each child has numerous successful experiences every day, to give him or her positive self-concept and to ensure a lifelong love of learning. Apple Tree Children’s Centers serves families in eight convenient locations in Des Moines and Iowa City.

About the Terri Lynne Lokoff/Children's TYLENOL® National Child Care Teacher Awards: Recognizing the need to raise the status of child care teachers and the need for quality child care, the Terri Lynne Lokoff Child Care Foundation (TLLCCF) created the Terri Lynne Lokoff/Children's TYLENOL® National Child Care Teacher Awards. This award acknowledges the critical role of child care teachers in providing quality early care and education. Child care teachers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and on U.S. Military bases and installations around the world were invited to apply. Fifty teachers are selected for their commitment and dedication to the children they serve. Of the top ten recipients, one is selected to receive the Helene Marks Award and is named the National Child Care Teacher of the Year. The TLLCCF has proudly presented this prestigious award since 1994.

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Erin Gourley

Regan Communications

egourley@regancomm.com

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