Play Matters
Collette McClellan, Saddleback College Child Development Center 

Here is how Collette supports and will continue to support play at her center:

“I was educated and trained in the importance of play and strive to provide both child-driven and teacher-facilitated experiences for the children in my care. Providing an environment with open-ended materials along with inviting and intentional provocations has been a key to child success and growth in my classroom. Play allows children to use their interest, creativity and imagination while developing language, physical, cognitive and social/emotional skills. I have always loved the use of loose parts and the unlimited possibilities that they can provide. Should I receive this grant opportunity, I would like to further explore the use of loose parts for dramatic play settings. Since my outdoor environment has always been, and continues to be, an extension of my classroom space; I would like to incorporate new materials and storage for open-ended dramatic play experiences that puts the learning back into the hands of the children. Additionally, this amazing opportunity will benefit not only the children in my care, but also the college students I mentor as they are beginning their early childhood careers.”

Education Matters
Ingrid Cabrera,
Garden Grove School District

Here is how Ingrid will continue her educational goals in the coming year:

“I am currently attending California State University, Fullerton. I am one semester away from attaining my Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Child Development. I want to continue my education by completing a teaching credential program in order to pursue a career as a Preschool Teacher in Special Education. I want to help those students with disabilities become mainstream in society."

Advocacy Matters
The LBGTQ Center OC 

Here is how the LGBTQ Center will continue to support advocacy for families and youth:

“The goal of the LGBT/ECE Project is to support classrooms and schools in showing more representation of LGBTQ families, use more inclusive language and increase knowledge of gender identity and expression in young children. Through staff trainings and the use of children’s literature that embraces themes of diversity in themselves and in others our hope is to make our community safe and affirming for LGBTQ children and families.The Grant would be used to continue purchasing children's literature for the LGBTQ library. We are seeking books that are diverse and welcoming for preschool children through young adults. Books with positive representations of the LGBTQ people, written by LGBTQ authors and their allies.

Outstanding Professional 
Joan Lundbohm,
Director Our Saviors Preschool in San Clemente

Here are some of the comments that were mentioned about Joan by the people who nominated her:

Joan is always dedicated to making sure she is doing everything she can to support her staff, parents and children's needs at our preschool. She strives for greatness and is always trying to make sure that she is going above and beyond to make sure our school is a quality learning school for the children. She breathed new life into the school by bringing on new staff to provide developmentally appropriate practices and a play-based learning curriculum. With the growth of the school she then saw a need that the local community was lacking and added an infant center. During the uncertainty of Covid-19, she put the health and financial well-being of our staff first. She has been informative, resourceful and caring.

Outstanding Professional-Dr. Seema Choudhary, Director/Owner of Montessori Preschool in Irvine & Lake Forest 

Here are some of the comments that were mentioned about Dr. Seema by the person who nominated her:

Dr. Seema Choudhary is an integral part of the Orange County community. She is an experienced and qualified expert in the field of Early Child Education and a Child Care Committee member with the city of Irvine which supports and serves early childhood professionals. I appreciate her commitment and dedication not only as a community leader but also her genuine enthusiasm as a community worker. Her passion and zeal for collaboration with various organizations has led to her work with Pretend City Children's Museum, Irvine. She hosted the Indian festivals of Holi & Vasant Panchami at the Pretend City premises in order to spread awareness and festivity. She is also a team member of Irvine Global Village Festival Committee. . Dr. Seema Choudhary is also the founder of the Orange County India & OC Indian Women Association which not only serves the Indian community but also encourages and embraces diversity.