Stettler family day-home operator Lorna Orlick was one of 10 childcare professionals honoured with the 2010 Alberta Childcare Professional Awards of Excellence under the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.
“It’s quite an honour to receive this provincial award,” said Orlick, who has operated a family day home for 13 years, the last seven under Stettler Family Day Home.
“This is definitely a highlight of my career,” she said after she acceped the award for rural family day home service from Children and Youth Services Minister Yvonne Fritz at an awards ceremony April 30.
Serving in the childcare field for about 35 years, she has worked in various roles including provision of day care and working with disabled children.
“When I had my own child, I decided to stay home and care for other children and I’ve enjoyed it ever since,” said Orlick, who is grateful for support from the communtiy.
“It’s a very rewarding job and a wonderful way to be home with my children and make a living.”
Orlick was one of three operators nominated in her category of the awards that exemplify leadership and dedication in their field.
“The 2010 award recipients are outstanding examples of the people who work in licensed and approved child care programs across our province,” said Minister of Children and Youth Services Yvonne Fritz.
“Their skill, dedication and innovative thinking help lay the foundation needed for children to grow and reach their full potential.”
Nominations for the 2010 Alberta Child Care Professional Awards of Excellence were submitted earlier this year by parents and child care operators from across the province.
The 10 award recipients were selected from a group of 45 finalists, representing urban and rural child care programs.
The award selection committee, consisting of representatives from the child care community, based its decisions on which nominees demonstrated the greatest innovation and creativity, including how they supported children’s development and well-being, celebrated diversity and nurtured the individuality of each child.
The committee also considered how nominees involved parents and families and raised the profile of the child care profession as a career choice.
Each award recipient received a commemorative plaque, award certificate and sponsor gifts in recognition of their contributions to child care.
The awards were presented by Alberta Children and Youth Services and the Alberta Child Care Association, with support from ACCESS Television, CTV Television, Built to Learn - a division of the Excel Society, Wintergreen Learning Materials, Groundwater Communications and Grant MacEwan University.