LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Child Care Planning Council, administered through the Lake County Office of Education, has announced the nominees for the 2018 Early Childhood Educator Awards.

There are over 100 nominations, which includes 61 different nominees in nine different categories.

The winners will be announced during the Early Childhood Educator Awards dinner on May 4 at the Mt. Konocti Winery in Kelseyville.

Angela Cuellar-Marroquin, Lake County Office of Education's Child Care Planning Council Coordinator, explained the importance of these awards. “It’s a time that we recognize the hard work that the early educators do each and every day. Early education is the foundation of a successful academic career.”

“Research shows that quality early childhood education is associated with higher measures of early language and math development, preparing our youngest members of Lake County for kindergarten,” said Lake County Superintendent of Schools Brock Falkenberg.

This year’s nominees are listed below.

Alana Bowman
Aldo Rodriguez
Alejandra Ferguson
Amber Bishop
Amy Buchholz
Ana Rosa Montañez
Anellely Pantoja Guzman
Angie Galvani
Autumn Sparkman
Belinda Sanders
Blanca Mejia
Brian Merrier
Chelsea Ballew
Cherry McCracken
Cinthia Garcia
Connie Hodges
Crystal Davis
Darcie Jordan
Denise Briggs-Villalobos
Erika Alvarado
Erika Cacho
Heather Wichlaz
Jacqueline Martinez
Jacqui Joyce
Jami White
Janell Pike
Jessie Ralls
Jody Mederos
Jordan O’Hollaran
Kara Kile
Katrina Hickey
Keely Noble
Kim Beall
Kim Gentle
Letty Lopez
Lisa Gabazia
Louisa Nonato
Margie Mitten
Marilu Garcia
Martha Rose
Martyna Blissky
Mary Prather
Maryellen Bowman
Medina DeCosta
Megan McDonald
Melanie Sneathen
Nancy Eufracio
Nicole Biggs
Rachael Ferguson
Rachel Cumpston
Rosa Lopez
Rosa Mora
Sam Mucks
Savannah Koppenhauer
Shawna Sullivan
Shirley Littleton
Silvia Lopez
Slobodanka Toshcich
Stephanie Garcia
Tiffany Morris
Vanessa Goodrich

Cuellar-Marroquin was thrilled with the depth of this year’s nominees. “I’m especially excited that so many Family Child Care homes were nominated. We really enjoy being able to recognize those small businesses around the lake that are providing licensed child care in their homes.”

This year’s theme for the awards dinner is “Live. Love. Travel. Education is our passport to adventure.”

There is no cost to attend for the nominees and one guest each, and there is no cost to attend if you work or are studying to work in the early childhood education industry.

You must register on Eventbrite before April 15, 2018. All other guests may purchase tickets for $25 on Eventbrite.

For more information, you can go to www.lakecoe.org/calendar.