Ashley Avelleyra – Winner, 2025 DIEEC Excellence in Early Childhood Awards (Center-Based Educator Category)

Ashley Avelleyra – Winner, 2025 DIEEC Excellence in Early Childhood Awards (Center-Based Educator Category)

The Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood (DIEEC) is honored to celebrate Ashley Avelleyra, a dedicated educator at Kids Cottage, as the winner of the 2025 Excellence in Early Childhood Awards in the center-based educator category. With 10 years of experience in the early childhood field, Ashley’s journey into early childhood education was affirmed during her time … Read more

Sharon McPhatter, Happyland Childcare

Sharon McPhatter’s journey in early childhood education is one that exemplifies dedication and growth.  Sharon initially started a small program in response to her own children’s needs, but what began as a solution for her family blossomed into a lifelong career. “I ended up adoring it,” Sharon recalls. Over 25 years, she’s transformed her passion … Read more

A. S. Academy of Learning: Centering Staff Builds a Stronger Program

In the world of early childhood education, staffing challenges are nothing new, but at A. S. Academy of Learning 2, leadership is addressing recruitment and retention head-on. Owner Shannon Moody brings a deep understanding of the importance of supporting staff to create a thriving program. This year, she’s using the Quality Improvement process to develop her … Read more

Jessica Arce, Family Child Care Professional

Seventeen years ago, when Jessica Arce’s daughter was in preschool at the Latin American Community Center in Wilmington, Jessica was a regular volunteer. That volunteering role turned into a paid job at the community center, and she later worked at a local Montessori preschool as well. When a medical issue in her family led her … Read more

Tredena Trott, Family Child Care Professional

Ask family child care (FCC) educator Tredena Trott if she has any advice for FCC colleagues who are thinking about attending DIEEC’s 1st State Family Child Care Conference this year, and her response is simple: “GO!” Being the only adult in your workplace can be challenging. The conference is an opportunity to meet and connect … Read more

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Highlight – Activity Ideas You Can Use in Your Own Program

This month, we’re sharing a few more Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) activities from programs that participated in DIEEC’s Anti-Bias Education: Diversity professional learning experience (PLE) back in February. Two programs used a “loose parts faces” activity with children as the basis for discussing emotions and expressions. Valerie Brown, lead Pre-K teacher at Cadence Academy … Read more

Anti-Bias and Diversity Activities at the Children’s House Montessori

Cathy Lopez-Cooling, administrator of the Children’s House Montessori program in Wilmington Del., participated in DIEEC’s Anti-Bias Education: Diversity professional learning experience (PLE) in February of this year. Following the first sessions of this PLE, participants are challenged to put what they’ve been learning into action, and supported as they explore new options and opportunities. The … Read more

Planning for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the little school at Kids Cottage

Incorporating diversity in early childhood educators’ planning and interactions allows for deeper, caring relationships with children and families. Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood (DIEEC) staff recently had the opportunity to learn about how one program is approaching this important topic. Lisa E. Ratliff, co-owner/co-director of the little school at Kids Cottage in Dover, … Read more