H’MAN ‘SHAWA ECDC EARNS FIVE STAR RATING FROM QUALITY FIRST
By Harrison J. Bahe
On July 30th, 2024 the tribal council of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation celebrated the teachers of the H’man ‘Shawa Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) by hosting a luncheon at the WeKoPa Casino Resort and Conference Center. In attendance were select members from the Education Division and the entire staff of the H’man ‘Shawa ECDC. The H’man ‘Shawa ECDC received an astounding 5 Star Rating from the Quality First Program!
The H’man ‘Shawa ECDC is a proud participant of the Quality First program. Each program participating is assessed and given a Quality First Star Rating ranging from 1 to 5 stars. Star ratings are based on what research shows health and safety practices that promote children’s basic well being, skilled teachers who know how to turn every day experiences into learning moments, and learning environments with age-appropriate activities, books, toys, and other learning materials that promote emotional, social, language, and cognitive development. Other key components are opportunities for active play and hands-on exploration throughout the day and teacher-child interactions and engaging conversations that build language and promote thinking and social skills.
The standards are high and the programs are assessed every one or two years and receive a new Star Rating with each assessment. This week, the H’man ‘Shawa ECDC were awarded a FIVE STAR rating!
Principal Mike Brown explains, “The Five Star rating means that we have met our goal of providing excellence in early childhood care. That we have finally been recognized [by] Quality First for the quality program that we have. It means that through hard work and dedication, all things are possible.”
Upon learning of the Five Star rating, Principal Mike Brown announced their recognition to the staff at H’man ‘Shawa ECDC over the morning announcements. Needless to say, the staff were very excited! “They were literally shouting in the halls with excitement! A joy that is indescribable!”
The tribal council gave brief speeches thanking the Education Division and H’man ‘Shawa ECDC for all their efforts in teaching the community’s youth and preparing them for the future as many of the council have had their own children attend the school. A rousing moment of recognition followed as Vice President Paul Russell asked everyone in attendance to stand if they worked in the Education Division or at the H’man ‘Shawa ECDC. A multitude of attendants stood and Paul Russell began counting from one and asked them to sit down once he announced a number representing the amount of years they had been employed with the nation. Only three remained standing beyond twenty years: Mike Brown, Mavis Jackson, and Jennifer Robinson. Everyone in attendance applauded them for their achievements and continued support in the various avenues of education for the past 20 years.
Earning a Five Star rating from the Quality First program is quite an achievement and the H’man ‘Shawa ECDC are committed to providing the best care and early education for our community. However, a Five Star rating from Quality First isn’t the end goal. “Our new goal will be to maintain the Five Star rating [and we’ll] always [be] looking for ways to improve our program [and] provide better services,” Principal Mike Brown says.
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President Sandra Pattea speaks to the crowd.
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Principal Mike Brown speaks to the crowd.
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President Sandra Pattea congratulates the H'man 'Shawa ECDC teachers for their Five Star rating.
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Council Man Albert Nelson speaks to the crowd.
