(Washington, DC) – District of Columbia State Superintendent of Education Jesús Aguirre celebrated the District’s most influential early learning leaders and educators at the Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s (OSSE) inaugural Night of the Stars, an early childhood education recognition event. The Superintendent was joined by Mayor Vincent C. Gray, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services (DMHHS) Beatriz “BB” Otero and DC Early Childhood Education Network President Carrie Thornhill. The event, which was held last night, was hosted by the Charles Sumner School Museum & Archives.

Night of the Stars recognized over 150 individuals and early learning programs for their dedication to the District’s youngest learners. The awards were presented to those who obtained their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in school year 2013-14; early learning programs that had the highest average scores in the District for CLASS, ITERS and FCCERS. Additionally, Read Baby Read Awards were distributed to centers that displayed developmentally and culturally appropriate classroom library sets for participation in the District’s infant and toddler quality improvement initiative. The brightest stars of the evening were the honorees that were celebrated for their 25 and 50 years of service in the District’s early childhood education workforce.

“Childcare centers, preschools and family childcare homes play an important role in a child’s development by stimulating physical, emotional, intellectual and social growth”, said Superintendent. “Under Mayor Vincent Gray’s leadership over the last four years, our comprehensive early learning agenda has provided thousands of young learners from all backgrounds a strong start and a solid foundation for school success.”

Mayor Gray attended the ceremony and expressed his long term goals for early learning as well as his commitment to continue the fight to ensure early learning and universal Pre-K stay at the forefront of the District’s public education landscape.  Superintendent Aguirre later presented Mayor Gray with an award for his steadfast leadership and unprecedented support to improve early childhood education. In addition to recognition from OSSE, Mayor Gray was also presented with a declaration from the DC Head Start Association President Almeta Keys for being a “champion” for early learning. 

Night of the Stars awardees included: