BRATTLEBORO — The Windham Child Care Association, a regional child care resource and referral agency, recently named Lisa Harris, owner of Rock River School in Williamsville, as this year's recipient of the Early Childhood Educator of the Year Award.
After spending her adult life in various educational settings, Harris opened her program 10 years ago when her son, Max, was born. Over the years, she said she has learned to observe and listen to what children are telling her with their actions, and paces her day appropriately.
“I try to give kids a chance to really focus on whatever they are doing, without hustling them along to another activity,” she said.
Her compassion for children goes beyond the typical work day. In March, she attended the Early Childhood Day at the Legislature in Montpelier, where she gathered with over 160 advocates, educators and policymakers to network, learn and discuss issues about early childhood education. Harris also plays a critical role as a member of Windham Child Care Association's Board of Directors.
Harris received multiple nominations for this award from the families in her program.
“One of Lisa's greatest strengths as an educator is that she connects with children and parents in a heart-centered way. Children trust her and so do their parents. She has an enormous amount of compassion for small children and she is able to feel things from their perspective,” said Apple Gifford and David Hull, who have two children in Lisa's program.
“Our daughters are kinder and generally more considerate because of their time with Lisa,” they continued. “They have learned valuable skills for resolving conflicts peaceably, for playing cooperatively and for expressing their feelings clearly. We are so grateful to have shared these important developmental years with Lisa.”
Nominations for this annual award are due in the spring. Contact Sarah DiNicola at 802-254-5332, ext. 310, or sarah@windhamchildcare.org for more information about the award.