On Friday, June 30th, 2023 more than 300 people gathered at WJCT for the Early Learning Master Class Accreditation Academy Celebration.
The event, which was hosted by Kids Hope Alliance (KHA), the Business & Leadership Institute for Early Learning (BLI), Early Learning Coalition of Duval (ELC), and Wells Fargo, served as an opportunity to honor and recognize daycare owners who completed the Early Learning Master Class Accreditation Academy. The program helps owners develop their businesses and gain national recognition through the accreditation process, which increases the quality of care and earning potential.
Attendees enjoyed performances from students from the Cathedral Arts Project and Teen Leader's of America. A group of local caterers and restaurants provided a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, giving guests the opportunity to try a variety of dishes from minority-owned restaurants, including 1Foxy Lady, Dish it with KC, LLC., Chef Rebekah Huntley, Sweet & Chic Events, Q.S.J.B Dessert Catering Boutique, The Peach Cobbler Factory. Drinks were provided by Milo's Tea and Cocktails of Sweetness.
The following individuals, from Cohorts 1 and 2, were presented with awards for completing the Early Learning Master Class Accreditation Academy:
- Latina Evans
- Sheron Shelton
- Kimberley Wilson
- Sharon Wingard
- Rosa Wilcox
- Sandra James
- Audrey Williams
- Sequoia Williams
- Marian Wilcher
- Mia Hicks
- Abby Sanks
- Valeria Towns
- Lakiesha Brown-Scott
- Valeria Jordan
- Patricia Williams
- Kiawanna Dennis
- Renee Jones
- Wonza Smith
- Jenifer Sims
- Sabrina Edwards
- Ortega Thomas
- Myrna Wright
- Jonette Lewis
- Ashley James
Cohort 3 was also introduced on stage and encouraged as they complete their accreditation process.
A huge thanks to all partners you made Early Learning Master Class Accreditation Academy a success: Apple Accreditation, Business & Leadership Institute for Early Learning, Early Learning Coalition of Duval, Family Home Based Accrediting Association, Florida State College at Jacksonville, The Giving Closet Project, Kids Hope Alliance, Milo's Tea, National Association for Family Childcare (FACCM), National League of Cities, SCORE, Wells Fargo, and Lenora Wilson.