The Riverview Gardens School District Parents as Teachers program received the Parents as Teachers Losos Prize for Excellence on April 26.
The national award, which acknowledges excellence in services to children and families, was presented by Scott Hippert, president/CEO of Parents as Teachers, at a reception at the district’s Early Childhood Education Center. Program staff, administrators, the district superintendent, families participating in the program along with community stakeholders were on hand to witness the presentation.
“This prize is a wonderful way for our organization to highlight the new and innovative activities of Parents as Teachers affiliates,” said Hippert.
Three Parents as Teachers affiliates demonstrating creativity and originality in pursuit of the Parents as Teachers vision that all children will learn, grow and develop to realize their full potential are selected from across the globe for the award annually.
The Riverview Gardens School District Parents as Teachers Program was honored with the award for its innovative early childhood program – voted as one of the top three in the state by the Missouri School Board Association.
Most notable is the program’s Partners in Education (or PIE) program where Parents as Teachers is brought directly to the child care facility, creating a seamless flow of services for families. The PIE program also provides professional development opportunities for the child care providers themselves.
“We believe investing in our youth has the highest rewards,” said Christine Kulla-Branz, director of early childhood at Riverview Gardens School District. “We are honored every day”.
The Losos Prize is named after its benefactor, Carolyn W. Losos, a lifetime early childhood proponent.
