Child Care: 4-C honors area people for making a difference for children
Community Coordinated Child Care in DeKalb recently honored community residents who make a difference for area children with two awards.
Friend of the Child Award In 1989, 4-C established the Friend of the Child Award to recognize the outstanding efforts of individuals and organizations who have made a difference in the lives of young children. Past winners have included child care program administrators, community volunteers, organizations with histories of support for children/child care and community leaders. The Friend of the Child Award was presented to Nancy Roberts at the 4-C Annual Meeting by Micki Chulick, executive director of 4-C. She noted that Roberts has been a friend of children not only locally, but also nationally and internationally. Roberts has traveled with the American Refugee Committee to places like Cambodia, Rowanda, Kosovo and Bosnia where hands-on help was needed to assist struggling children. When presenting the award, Chulick commented that Roberts is an inspiration to all who know her. She described Roberts as a generous, unselfish, spiritual, strong woman who has truly made a difference in the lives of many children who grew up healthier, happier and better educated because Roberts' path crossed with theirs.
Marian Baker Excellence in Child Care Award In 1999, 4-C established the Marian Baker Excellence in Child Care Award in memory of 4-C's long time friend and board member, Marian Baker. The award is given at the 4-C Annual Meeting and recognizes an individual who possesses the dedication and passion that Baker exemplified in her role as teacher and child advocate. Recipients of the award must reside in 4-C's service delivery area of DeKalb, Lee, Ogle, Whiteside, Carroll and McHenry counties. This year, two awards were presented - one to a family child care provider and one to a child care center staff member. Tom Burski, president of the Board of Directors of 4-C presented the first of the two awards to Deb Baird, a family child care provider from DeKalb. When presenting the award, Burski said that Baird exemplified Baker's high standards and ideals. Her nominator noted, “Deb's approach is extremely gentle and patient as she guides each child to create, learn and have fun.” Burski presented the second award to Ken Rodd, Children's Learning Center School-age program director. When presenting the award, Burski said that Rodd exemplified Baker's dedication and passion. Rodd's nominator commented, “Ken has worked with children of all ages and has been an important influence in their lives. Several children he has worked with over the past 30 years still maintain contact with him today and relate that he was an important influence in their lives.” 4-C is a not for profit social service agency that provides comprehensive services to children, families, child care providers and employers. Services provided include child care referrals, financial assistance for child care, parent education, consultants (social work, nurse and child development specialists), child care food program, professional development opportunities for child care providers and child/family advocacy.