DIEEC Archives

State Representatives Kamela Smith, Cyndie Romer, and Mara Gorman pose for a photo alongside UD CEHD Dean Rena Hallam at the DIEEC Block Party celebration.

September 2026

Whether you are navigating the start of a new school year, adjusting classroom routines, or laying the groundwork for program-wide goals, your daily commitment sets the baseline for quality early learning experiences across Delaware. In this edition of REACH, we bring you targeted updates, fresh classroom strategies, and practical tools to support the vital work ... Read more

Celebrating Our ECE Community

DIEEC recently launched a new project focused on helping early childhood professionals to feel seen, valued, represented, and connected. Our journey began at our August block party, where our guests had an opportunity to share their stories with us. Hearing ECE progressionals speak openly about their experiences reminded us that there is power in connection- ... Read more

DIEEC Celebrates Children’s Book Week- Registration Now Open Through September 30

We’re bringing the joy of reading to classrooms across Delaware! Registration for the 2026 Children’s Book Week celebration with DIEEC is officially live now through September 30th. This year, early childhood programs can participate in two ways: EARLY BIRD BONUS: Register by September 8th to be automatically entered into our early bird raffle for an ... Read more

From Seeds to Success: Celebrating Year Two of Let’s GROW Outside!

Like any flourishing garden, true professional growth takes time, care, and a lot of shared wisdom. In June, DIEEC staff, child care educators, and Delaware Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners gathered to mark the culmination of the second Let’s GROW Outside! cohort. Funded through a continuing collaboration between DIEEC and the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE), ... Read more

Meet The 2026 Excellence in Early Childhood Award Winners!

In this month’s Provider Spotlight, we introduce the inspiring educators who were winners or runners-up in our 2026 DIEEC Excellence in Early Childhood Awards initiative. Through responsive teaching, deep family partnerships, and peer mentorship, they are building the supportive communities our children need to grow and thrive. Discover their stories and celebrate their impact.

Staff Spotlight: Introducing DIEEC’s New Outreach Manager, Jessica DeWese

Familiar Face, New Role If you’ve attended a professional learning experience or participated in a DIEEC initiative over the last few years, chances are you’ve met Jessica DeWese. As a former Professional Development Coordinator, Jessica has spent the past several years delivering key DIEEC initiatives like Let’s GROW Outside!, Let’s Go Outside, Pyramid Model, Early ... Read more

Nominations for the DIEEC Excellence in Early Childhood Awards are now open!

The DIEEC Excellence in Early Childhood Awards are back for their 5th anniversary in 2026

DIEEC Leadership Board Member, Lori Hansen Named Teacher of the Year

DIEEC is proud to highlight the outstanding work of Lori Hansen, who was recently named the Indian River School District’s Early Learning Center 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year. With nearly three decades of experience in early childhood education, Lori brings a blend of expertise, joy, and commitment to her classroom. The feature article celebrates Lori’s ... Read more

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DIEEC’s Fourth Annual 1st State Family Child Care Conference

On Saturday, October 11, the Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood (DIEEC) welcomed family child care professionals from across Delaware to the fourth annual 1st State Family Child Care Conference. The conference was held on the University of Delaware’s Newark campus at the Clayton Hall Conference Center.