Sussex Tech’s Childcare Center receives national award
The Sussex Technical School District Board of Education’s program PACTT Center - Parents and Children Together at Tech - has been selected for inclusion in the Magna Best Practices Database. The Magna Awards is a national recognition program cosponsored by the American School Board Journal, the National School Boards Association, and Sodexo School Services that honors school board practices and innovative programs that advance student learning.
The PACTT Child Care Center at Sussex Tech was established in 1991 and operates through a partnership between United Cerebral Palsy of Delaware and the Sussex Technical School District. The program provides quality early care and education to at-risk children and children with or without disabilities. It also helps single, teen mothers remain in school by providing a school-based child care program. Participating mothers also get invaluable parenting training through the program. Sussex Tech staff members also use the center for day-care services.
In addition, the PACTT program provides a real-world laboratory for Sussex Tech’s Early Care Education and Services technical program students. Secondary students enrolled in this career pathway gain firsthand experience by working in and contributing to an actual working childcare center, particularly one that provides services to such a diverse group of children.
According to PACTT Center Director Kathy Moore, the center cares for 45 children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 5 years. It also runs a summer camp for children age 6 to 12. She and her 14 staff members have accomplished a state grade of Star Level 4 in the quality of early care and education.
“Besides providing the best possible care for the children,” said Moore, “our goal is to accomplish kindergarten readiness for all of them.”
The PACTT Center also provides the resources needed by Sussex Tech to broaden its curriculum for the Early Childhood Education technical program. Teacher Beth Bendistis uses the childcare center as a hands-on laboratory where her students participate in hands-on childcare learning experiences. They gain and utilize the knowledge and skills required to achieve state of Delaware Teacher of Early Care Education certification and successful placement as early-care practitioners in daycare facilities.
For the past 17 years, the Magna Awards panel has reviewed programs that showcase school district leadership, creativity and commitment to student achievement. Sussex Tech’s PACTT Center program was one of only 81 highly scored programs selected for recognition from the 300 nominations received this past year. Magna winners will be recognized at the School Leaders Luncheon held during the National School Board Association’s Annual Conference next April.
