When Diana Mercado applied to DIEEC’s Let’s GROW Outside! initiative on behalf of Pirulo’s Child Care and Learning Center, she saw a great educational opportunity for the children. However, she also had another motivation: self-care.

Diana is the early childhood administrator at Pirulo’s, a bilingual program that serves children from ages 1 to 5. Founded in 2007, Pirulo’s is nestled on a grassy hillside overlooking Beck’s Pond Park in Newark. Diana takes pride in the strong community built at Pirulo’s, especially for Spanish-speaking families. As a bilingual program, they can support parents who may struggle with English when communicating about their children’s development and accessing needed support. It’s a reciprocal learning experience: Diana says, “Some children don’t communicate in English, so we are teaching them English. And then the children who do not speak Spanish, we are teaching them Spanish.” The program’s sense of community serves as a strong foundation for the gardening initiative.

Diana is from the Dominican Republic, where fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs are emphasized in cooking. She grew a garden on her own, saying, “I did it just to do it,” for the purpose of having plenty of fresh produce available. But she also discovered along the way that she enjoyed gardening. She viewed the gardening experience provided by Let’s GROW Outside! as not just an educational opportunity, but a potential for respite in a job that can sometimes be as stressful as it is rewarding. This perspective extended to the children: in a time when many children spend hours each day in front of screens, Diana wanted them to enjoy being outside too, to benefit from time spent “in nature…breathing, the birds flying over, hearing the sounds.”

With the support of the Let’s GROW! Outside initiative, Diana has led Pirulo’s in transforming a patch of grass near the bottom of the hill into a thriving garden classroom. Let’s GROW Outside! is a grant-funded opportunity to make an edible garden come to life. Participating educators learn about the benefits of connecting children and gardening, gain knowledge and skills needed to develop and sustain a garden, learn to use a supplemental gardening curriculum, and plan for age-appropriate garden activities with children. Diana used the provided supplies to build a functional and visually appealing garden, creatively re-purposing some of the provided wire fencing to fashion a garden arch and trellis, and dedicating one bed to a fairy garden for the children. Raised beds are complemented by potted plants, and edible plants are complemented by flowers. Child-size aprons, gardening tools and watering cans are neatly stored and easily accessible next to the garden plot.

To optimize children’s experience, Diana works with a few children at a time to tend the garden. “They are watering, seeing the harvest grow, touching everything.” The children, in turn, are excited and eager to help. The program’s playground is located higher on the hill, overlooking the garden. Diana says that when she is in the garden, children on the playground will call to her: “”Miss Diana! Come get me, Miss Diana. Is it my turn now? I wanna go to the garden. I wanna garden, I wanna help!

While Diana took the lead on the Let’s GROW! Outside initiative, it has been a program-wide effort. The gardening experience comes indoors as well- seeds are started in the classrooms, and educational toys and stories help introduce children to concepts like plant life cycles. Diana shares a monthly update on the garden with families, who in turn have offered to donate seeds and to help build the garden beds on weekends. Some families grow their own tomatoes or windowsill herbs, and Diana says it’s exciting to see children make connections between what they learn in the Pirulo’s garden and what they have at home.

The children at Pirulo’s have learned that the worms they encounter while digging are friends that help improve the soil for their plants. They know that bees are also garden helpers. Diana says that seeing a tiny eggplant form and grow has been a source of wonder for one child. The children are also learning responsibility as they take turns and understand that the garden needs regular care in order to thrive. As for Diana, her favorite plants are the strawberries: “It’s a victory. I nailed it. There were just the green leaves, but then I started seeing the flowers. Then my heart just started pumping. I was like, I’m gonna get strawberries this year!”

Diana’s journey with Let’s GROW Outside! illustrates how personal passion can intersect with educational impact, benefiting both educators and children. For Diana, the initiative was not only a chance to create a thriving garden classroom at Pirulo’s Child Care but also a valuable opportunity for self-care, providing rewarding personal growth in the context of her busy role. The garden fosters a deeper connection to nature, responsibility, and community among her bilingual learners and their families. With the guidance of a dedicated educator, children are growing in curiosity, confidence, and an understanding of the world around them.

Written by Stephanie Thompson. Photos by Christian S. Ferrell.

The Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood (DIEEC) is delighted to honor Madison Hogsten from Indian River Early Learning Center as the winner of the inaugural 2025 Excellence in Early Childhood Awards in the Early Career Educator category. This award recognizes educators who, early in their careers, are already making a significant impact and demonstrating immense promise for the future. With two years in the early childhood field, Madison comes by her passion for education honestly: she comes from a family of teachers, including her mother and aunt, making her journey into the field a natural progression.

Madison cherishes giving children a place where they are excited to see their friends, their teachers, and simply excited to come to school. Watching her students’ faces light up as they learn something new, especially achieving milestones like writing their names, brings her pride and affirmation in her career choice. She fosters an environment where children feel loved, special, and supported, no matter what, embodying her belief that she can “be there for children when they need it the most.”

According to Madison’s colleagues, despite being early in her career, Madison “exhibits the traits of a seasoned educator. She possesses a keen understanding of child development, which guides her thoughtful and creative lesson planning.” Her colleagues note her ability to transform everyday moments into learning experiences, turning a rainy day into a science exploration or using a favorite story to inspire dramatic play. This intentionality ensures that lessons are not only engaging but also responsive to the children’s interests and questions. 

Madison actively seeks opportunities for growth. She collaborates with her administrators, fellow four-year-old teachers, and her paraprofessional to explore new ideas and strategies for her classroom. This reflective practice and openness to feedback are key indicators of her dedication to evolving as an educator.

Her ability to make learning “silly” and fun is a skill that helps children listen and engage, making them feel like she’s both their teacher and a friend. Madison hopes to see more opportunities for students to benefit from early learning programs in the future, underscoring her commitment to the broader field. Madison is a deserving recipient of this inaugural award and a bright light in the future of early childhood education.

The Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood (DIEEC) is pleased to recognize Shakira Waples, of Next Generation Childcare, as the runner-up for the 2025 Excellence in Early Childhood Awards in the family child care educator category. With 15 years of experience in the early childhood field, Shakira’s path to becoming a family child care educator allowed her to pursue her passion for teaching while also being present for her own children.

Shakira’s dedication to early childhood education stems from a lifelong desire to teach, rooted in playing “teachers” with her cousins as a child. What keeps her passionate today are the children themselves – their innocent faces, their honesty, and the joy of witnessing them “catch on” to new concepts. A particularly proud moment for Shakira is seeing children who enter her care with limited verbal skills begin to express themselves and engage in back-and-forth conversations, a testament to the rich language environment she cultivates. 

When asked what her “secret superpower” is as an educator, Shakira states that her creativity is a significant strength. It enables her to “figure things out on the spot” and maintain flexibility, allowing her to adjust on the fly and meet children precisely where they are developmentally. This adaptability is key to her teaching approach, ensuring that learning is always accessible and engaging for every child in her care. Her ability to transform her center into imaginative worlds, like camping grounds or an underwater wonderland, illustrates her commitment to making learning a unique and innovative experience every day.

Shakira’s commitment to continuous growth is evident in her pursuit of professional development. She actively researches and learns more about early childhood education by attending professional development, webinars, and conferences. “I’m joining everything,” she says. Last fall, she was selected to be a member of DIEEC’s Early Childhood Educator Leadership Board, a role that allows her to share her insights in ways that shape the supports available to her colleagues in the field.

Beyond the classroom, Shakira is known for her consistent engagement with families. She shares daily updates and allows parents to see their children’s activities through Brightwheel. This transparent and regular communication builds strong partnerships. Her interactions extend beyond academics, as she hosts regular events that encourage parents to connect and converse, fostering a strong sense of community. “The parents come and really enjoy themselves. We sit and talk- not just about school.”

Shakira’s overarching belief is that early education is crucial for children to develop social skills and problem-solving abilities, seeing them as the bright future. This belief and dedication make her an asset to Delaware’s early childhood education community.

The Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood (DIEEC) is thrilled to recognize Stacy Morgan, of Little Bit of Sunshine Nature Learning Academy, as the winner of the 2025 Excellence in Early Childhood Awards in the family child care educator category. Stacy’s journey into early childhood education began with a background in babysitting and church nursery care. She then worked in banking for many years before realizing she desired to be home with her oldest son. Reflecting on the transition, Stacy says, “I believe it was a higher calling. I believe I’m exactly where God wants me to be!” 

Stacy’s approach to early education is deeply rooted in fostering strong relationships and a rich, child-led learning environment. She cherishes the connections she forms with families and children, describing her work not as a job, but as an integral part of her life that brings her immense joy and purpose. Parents laud her as among the “most patient, understanding, and resourceful” professionals, noting the significant growth and development their children achieve under her guidance. For Stacy, excellence in early childhood means ensuring not only that the child receives what they need, but that the entire family feels supported. “When you have relationships in education, it all falls into place- and when you don’t have the relationship part, there can be so many struggles,” she says.

A hallmark of Stacy’s program is her commitment to learning through play and nature-based experiences, deeply aligning with a curiosity-driven approach. Her daily activities inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and resilience through explorations in forests, gardens, and natural play areas. Children are encouraged to draw shapes in the dirt, use tongs at the water table, and climb – activities that naturally build essential skills like hand strength and dexterity. Stacy thoughtfully structures her week with themes like “Math Monday,” “Artsy Thursday,” and “Fun Friday,” balancing learning while allowing children the freedom to lead their own journeys and explore their interests.

Stacy’s ability to navigate the dynamic nature of a family child care setting with calm and creativity is noteworthy. She sees her ability to multitask and “pull it all together” as a unique strength, essential for the diverse demands of her role. Whether it’s managing an unexpected challenge or adapting a planned activity, Stacy brings knowledge of child development and practical experience to every moment, keeping children engaged and the program running smoothly. 

Stacy has a profound impact on the children and families she works with.. She consistently seeks to ensure families receive the support they need, embodying a holistic approach to early childhood well-being. Stacy’s unwavering dedication, compassion, and professional ingenuity make her an invaluable asset to the Delaware early childhood community.

The Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood (DIEEC) is proud to recognize Tara Chetty, a dedicated educator at St. David’s Episcopal Day School in Wilmington, as the runner-up for the 2025 Excellence in Early Childhood Awards in the center-based educator category. With 21 years of experience in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) field, Tara brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep-seated passion to her classroom of two-year-olds.

Tara’s journey into early childhood education was driven by an innate calling to teach. “Since the time I was four years old,” she says, “there was never a doubt in my mind.” This lifelong passion is evident in her daily work; she finds fulfillment in witnessing the significant growth of her young students each year, particularly their increasing independence and social development. Her commitment to learning is lifelong as well; as a member of both the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children (deaeyc), she actively seeks diverse training topics, consistently looking for ways to enhance her understanding and adjust her practices to meet the evolving needs of children.

What truly sets Tara apart is her thoughtful and adaptable approach to meeting the diverse needs of each child. She emphasizes building intimate connections, patiently guiding children to try new things, and then celebrating their accomplishments. Her class includes children with a wide range of developmental stages. To meet her students’ unique needs, Tara employs practical strategies like using visuals, providing ample time to process instructions, and creating a calming zone with sensory objects. Her ability to establish and maintain consistent routines is a cornerstone of her classroom, as she understands that consistency helps children thrive and allows her to identify where individual support is needed.

Tara also places a high value on strong home-school connections. She establishes open lines of communication with parents from the start, emphasizing that they are a “team” in the child’s growth. She proactively shares classroom activities for parents to model at home and fosters relationships that make it comfortable for both sides to raise concerns. 

When Tara explains that she teaches two-year-olds, she proudly articulates her role in “setting the stage for many years of school to follow.” She believes her work is about ensuring children enter a nurturing, engaging, safe, and loving environment where they learn to communicate, develop essential social skills, and build character traits like patience and kindness. To Tara, “it’s not my job, it’s who I am,” a sentiment that truly reflects her exceptional dedication to providing every child with a great beginning.

The Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood (DIEEC) is honored to celebrate Ashley Avelleyra, a dedicated educator at Kids Cottage, as the winner of the 2025 Excellence in Early Childhood Awards in the center-based educator category. With 10 years of experience in the early childhood field, Ashley’s journey into early childhood education was affirmed during her time at Towson University, where an advisor recognized her natural aptitude for connecting with young children.

For Ashley, the children are the heart of her work; their smiles, energy, and the unique connections she builds with each group are what keep her motivated and excited every day. “I come in every morning and as soon as you see those kids, you’re weightless, everything else disappears,” she says, emphasizing that their kindness, positivity, and enthusiasm for learning create an uplifting classroom environment.

Ashley believes that while “play” might seem simple to outsiders, it is a foundation for critical skill development. She plans activities that align with developmental domains, recognizing that every moment of play, from squishing playdough to sorting sensory bins, helps children gain new skills. 

Another aspect of Ashley’s practice is making connections between the classroom and home. She effectively uses ClassDojo to provide families with real-time glimpses into their children’s learning experiences. This approach empowers parents to see what their children are learning and doing. When children in Ashley’s classroom proudly share their work and creations, they often ask for photos to be sent to their families. This proactive engagement strengthens the essential partnership between educators and families.

Ashley’s professional growth has been shaped by the invaluable mentorship she has received. She is currently transitioning into a lead teacher role after six years as an assistant. Ashley credits her former lead teacher with teaching her the essentials of classroom management, the art of collaboration, and the importance of setting boundaries while still fostering a fun environment. 

Ashley’s dedication, innovative spirit, and nurturing approach truly exemplify excellence in early childhood education.

In the world of early childhood education, staffing challenges are nothing new, but at A. S. Academy of Learning 2, leadership is addressing recruitment and retention head-on. Owner Shannon Moody brings a deep understanding of the importance of supporting staff to create a thriving program. This year, she’s using the Quality Improvement process to develop her “employer brand,” marketing her center’s dual emphasis on quality for both child and staff development to prospective staff members and families.

Built on Experience, Designed for Success

Shannon began her journey as a family child care provider in 1999, with Aunt Shannon’s Daycare. Later, she worked in center-based programs. “I’ve worn every hat,” she says, including roles as teacher, assistant director, and director. When she had the opportunity to open a center, “Aunt Shannon” became the “A. S.” in A. S. Academy of Learning, which opened in its current location in 2017. 

Walking into the program, visitors are greeted with thoughtfully designed spaces that reflect the center’s emphasis on curiosity and independence. “We are intentionally building the environment. It’s not just the curriculum—it’s everything we do,” Shannon says. One hallway features sensory walls with fidget toys and busy boards, while cozy corners and thoughtfully placed books invite children to explore. 

Asked what she looks forward to each day, Shannon answers without hesitation: “It’s the funny moments, the aha moments. Not just the kids…mine and the teachers, too. Spontaneous moments are so much fun…if you don’t keep your sense of humor, you’re going to burn out.”  

The Heart of the Program: The Staff

Shannon offers her staff competitive wages, professional development opportunities, and fosters a workplace culture that prioritizes work-life balance and appreciation. Teachers are invited to participate in decision-making and are often surprised with small gestures like a “Funshine” cart stocked with snacks to brighten their day.  “I’m always trying to make it fun for the teachers- anything to put a smile on their face and make it less stressful. The less stress you bring in, the more fun you can have with the children.”

For individual professional development, Shannon actively encourages staff to pursue credentials and degrees in the field. “I can provide opportunities and flexible schedules to an extent. I help them think through how to make it work.” She also ensures that staff are aware of the opportunities and scholarships offered through the Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC).

Inservice days for staff focus on both learning and team-building. In March of the coming year, DIEEC will facilitate an on-site professional learning experience, “Understanding Children’s Behavior as Communication,” for the program. The on-site professional development opportunity allows the whole staff to participate as a team, and allows the training content to be aligned with A. S. Academy of Learning’s unique needs.

Building an Employer Brand

Recently, Shannon and her DIEEC Quality Improvement Specialist, Dena Nacci, collaborated on a plan to enhance her program’s recruitment and retention efforts. Dena says the program has “made significant investments…to attract qualified ECE professionals and families seeking quality childcare.” For example, the program’s website now includes a dedicated recruitment page for interested candidates, highlighting all of the benefits offered to team members. Showcasing the program’s commitment to maintaining a high-quality staff is designed to appeal not only to potential employees, but also to prospective families.

While the program has always emphasized staff retention internally, marketing to potential employees is new territory. Shannon reflects, “I never looked at it from that perspective- I thought, that’s in-house, nobody needs to hear about it.” Now, she realizes the benefits of proactively sharing the ways that A. S. Academy of Learning 2 staff are valued and supported. “Working with Dena on this piece, I’ve grown so much…I’m seeing a difference in my employees. I involve them in everything, and that’s been really nice.”

Advice for Other Programs

For early childhood educators looking to strengthen their own recruitment and retention practices, Shannon offers practical advice. “Broaden your channels,” she says, suggesting partnerships with job fairs, schools, and colleges, even if they don’t yield immediate results. “The recognition and connections are invaluable.” She also encourages programs to invest in social media and marketing to showcase what makes them unique. “Highlight what you offer that’s different,” she advises, noting that the visibility helps with both staff recruitment and parent engagement.

“Offer competitive wages as much as you can. If you can’t offer higher wages…[consider] what you CAN offer in terms of advancement or an expanded role.” She also emphasizes the importance of treating employees with respect and building trust. “Please and thank you go a long way,” she adds.

Building for the Future

Shannon is beginning to see the fruits of her labor. She says that her efforts are resulting in improvements to her business, increased quality for children, and a better workflow. Recent open houses have drawn promising new families, and staff members are increasingly engaged in shaping the program’s direction.  “Listening to them and taking their advice is so important,” she says. “If you don’t listen, they’re not going to stay.” 

Resources mentioned in this spotlight:

• On-site professional learning experiences for programs
• Delaware’s Quality Improvement System
• Early Childhood Innovation Center