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A Campbell River early childhood educator has been presented with an Award of Excellence from Prime Minister Stephen Harper for her work with some of the community's youngest citizens.
Brenda Rempel, who works at Christian Life Daycare Society with children ages 30 months to 12 years, has worked in the field for 13 years. Her colleagues say her dedication and enthusiasm are an inspiration.
"Brenda kind of exemplifies the qualities we aspire to," says Joyce McMann, coordinator of A Family Place. "She has a sense of optimism and excitement in the work she does and you see that in her day to day practice. There was a sense that the care and the energy she shows were in need of some recognition."
Rempel was presented with the Prime Minister's Award of Excellence in Early Childhood Education in Ottawa in May. She said her philosophy is that all children should be included in a child care center.
"Inclusion, being pro-active, giving the opportunity for all children to have quality child care, that's what's important to me," Rempel said.
McMann said Rempel's co-workers at Christian Life came to the broader child care community with the nomination, and it was supported and sent to Ottawa to be considered. The local child care workers who sent the nomination described Rempel as someone who never gives up on a child and a worker who welcomes all children, regardless of their needs. She's also known as someone who spends extra time with parents to ensure they understand the way their child behaves in a group setting, so they can help the child build strengths and overcome weaknesses at home. In the nomination package, it was stated that Rempel "has embraced the idea that children of diverse abilities have the right to participate actively in their neighbourhood child care centre. She adapts and accommodates the everyday activities of play, learning and growing in ways that all children feel they belong."
Rempel flew to Ottawa to meet with all the other early childhood educators and teachers also receiving Prime Minister's Awards.
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McMann said many in the local child care community are pleased that one of their own was recognized.
"This is exciting for everybody," McMann said. "It's exciting for us in Campbell River because we know Brenda and it's exciting that the idea is being recognized that early childhood education is teaching. It's teaching a child during the most important period of learning in life, which happens before children even get to school."
- reprinted from the Courier Islander