Fairfield, CA - On June 21, 2024, the Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) hosted its annual Early Childhood Educator of the Year Awards at the Joseph Nelson Community Center. This event celebrated the exceptional contributions of teachers, support staff, and administrators in early learning from across Solano County. Among the honorees were several dedicated educators from Mary Bird Early Childhood Education Center, recognized for their outstanding work in the school’s full inclusion state preschool program.
The event highlighted the achievements of Mary Bird educators: Maisha Burke, State Preschool Permit Teacher; Cynthia Apaka, Special Education Preschool Teacher; and Ian Putney, Special Education Preschool Teacher, all of whom were present and pictured. Also recognized were Nerice Cao, State Preschool Permit Teacher, and Carrie Wilsie, Special Education Preschool Teacher.
The celebration included a delightful evening with dinner, dessert, raffles, and a photo booth, creating a festive atmosphere to honor these exceptional educators. The recognition is a testament to the high-quality, inclusive learning environment they provide for preschool-aged students. At Mary Bird, nearly 50 percent of the students have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and the collaborative partnerships between general education and special education staff ensure a rich, supportive educational experience for all learners.
"We are honored to celebrate our amazing teachers who go above and beyond for each and every student at Mary Bird. It is because of their time and dedication that our youngest learners begin their educational journey with a solid foundation and motivation to learn," said Anna Mansker, Principal of Mary Bird Early Childhood Education Center.
The Solano Early Childhood Educator of the Year Awards serve as a platform to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and dedication of early childhood educators, whose efforts lay the groundwork for lifelong learning and success.