Peppermint Tree Child Development Center of Toms River Recognized by the NJ MAP to Inclusive Child Care Team’s 2014 Rose Annussek Award

The Peppermint Tree Child Development Center proudly displays the 2014 Rose Annussek Award  just above a sign in the Director’s office that reads “Everyone is welcome here.  Everyone belongs.” This is especially fitting, as Peppermint Tree’s commitment to individual child development and inclusion was cited at the awards ceremony.

“We are honored to receive this award in memory of educator Rose Annussek,” says Peppermint Tree Owner/Director Valerie Frost-Lewis. “And we are pleased at the recognition of our philosophy. Peppermint Tree meets each child where he or she is, and helps them along with their own development. We don’t expect children to adapt to our curriculum; we adapt the curriculum with differentiated instruction.  For example a child coming to our school might be shy, or academically gifted, or have special needs.  In each case the entire staff works to help them grow at their own pace—socially, academically and emotionally.”

Parents at Peppermint Tree came together to nominate the school for the award. “For us, Peppermint Tree isn’t a child care facility, but an extended family,” said one parent.  “Valerie is a very hands-on director—she is always in the classroom and has a strong relationship with each child and family.  The atmosphere is very warm and nurturing,” were some of the comments from other parents who wrote letters to the Rose Annussek Award Committee.

Peppermint Tree has been recognized as an outstanding pre-school three times over the past six months. In addition to the Rose Annussek Award, The Asbury Park Press recently featured Peppermint Tree in a story about quality education in New Jersey (Asbury Park Press Peppermint Tree Story) Peppermint Tree was also voted “Parent’s 2013 Pick Pre-school of the Year” by Hulafrog.com, an online resource for Ocean County families. 

About Peppermint Tree

Peppermint Tree Child Development Center is licensed by the State of New Jersey for 70 children, ages 2.5-13 years.  Classes include Pre-school, Pre-K, Full Day Kindergarten, Before and After School Enrichment for Elementary School children, as well as Summer Camp (with on-site swimming pools)  http://www.pepperminttree.com

About Peppermint Tree Owner/Director Valerie Frost-Lewis

Valerie holds a Master of Science degree in Education with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education. She is active in the early education community, serving on the board of the Ocean County affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and speaking frequently on various topics in early childhood education.  Valerie has led numerous professional development early education workshops at the national, state and county levels.  As a Professional Development Specialist, she also mentors early childhood education professionals at the beginning of their careers. Valerie’s husband, Scott Lewis, a musician known as "Mr. Scott the Music Man" has also dedicated his career to the early childhood field.