Caswell Honors Child Care Providers with Annual Recognition Banquet 

By Brody Dixon, Community Outreach Coordinator for Caswell County Partnership for Children

      The Caswell County Partnership for Children Annual Child Care Provider Recognition Banquet was held on May 14, 2009 at the Yanceyville Municipal Services Center.  The banquet honors child care providers for their hard work and quality care they provide the children of Caswell County.   Each year a very special award is given to the most outstanding child care center and home. The Partnership is proud to recognize child care Center of the Year Rainbow Educational Child Care Center and Home of the Year Amanda’s Home Child Care!         

      Every child care facility is invited to be considered for this award by completing an application.  Once in the running, a center or home collects letters of support from parents and community members.  Lastly, site visits are conducted by Sharon Sexton, Chamber of Commerce Director, before the home and center of the year is selected.       

      The Partnership understands that the early years of children’s lives are very important and have a lasting impact on their future.  It takes a very special person to have the commitment and compassion necessary to educate, enrich, and care for our young children. It is for this reason that each year child care providers throughout Caswell County are invited to be recognized for their efforts and excellence. 

      Staff members from each center and child care home were invited to come together to share a catered meal complete with all the fixings, musical entertainment, and a special guest speaker.  Everyone in attendance was dressed in their best formal attire and much hard work and attention to detail went into the elegant and beautiful decorations. Partnership employees Shannon Slaydon, Kwanna Byrd, and Sharon Richardson made sure that this would be a night to remember thanks to their hard work and preparations. 

      G&G Concession and Catering served up a delicious meal for all to enjoy. Musical entertainment was provided by Darrell Mclean and the Small Town Orchestra.  Nate Hall, County Commissioner, served as the Master of Ceremonies with the invocation given by the Rev. Paul Robinson. Those in attendance enjoyed inspirational words from guest speaker Dr. Wayne Matthews.  Dr. Wayne Matthews, an Associate Professor in Family and Consumer Sciences at NC State University, serves as a Human Development Specialist for North Carolina Cooperative Extension.  His message focused on the need to cherish, value, and enjoy everyday life. He reminded the audience to never give up and to celebrate each day.  Dr. Matthews believes that success and satisfaction in life is determined by a positive attitude.  He challenged his listeners to    “carpe diem…seize the day!” making the most out of life.   

      Special recognition was also given to center and homes that had raised their star rating level. Each teacher was given a certificate and gift thanking them for the contributions they make in the lives of children. Banquet sponsors included the Caswell County Partnership for Children, the United Way of Caswell County, Yanceyville Drug Company Inc., and the Town of Yanceyville. Congratulations to this year’s winners and a very special thank you to all the child care directors and teachers for all that they do! For more information, please contact the Caswell County Partnership for Children at (336) 694-1538.