Montgomery County Presents the Third Annual Early Care and Education Excellence Awards to Ten Individuals Celebrating the Vital Contributions of Early Childhood Education[...]

For Immediate Release: Monday, October 27, 2025

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services' Child Care Support Services (CCSS) presented the third annual Early Care and Education Excellence Awards to ten individuals to recognize the important work of early childhood education professionals. The winners were selected from more than 250 nomination submissions. The six categories of Early Care and Education Excellence Awards were established in 2023 to recognize and honor the dedicated professionals across both family child care and center-based settings whose work every day ensures that the County's youngest children (birth to age 5) receive high-quality early care and education.

"We know the indispensable role of the early care and education workforce in supporting families and nurturing children," said County Executive Marc Elrich. "It is crucial to recognize and celebrate these often-overlooked heroes. The Early Care and Education Excellence Awards serve as a tribute to the unwavering commitment and tireless dedication of our child care professionals who serve a pivotal role in shaping the future of our youngest learners. These educators work diligently to help ensure each child receives the care, attention, and guidance required for them to flourish, thereby setting them on a path for a bright tomorrow."

2025 Early Care and Education Excellence Awards:

• Infant and Toddler Educator Excellence Award: Honors a center-based or family child care educator teaching children birth to 3 years
  • Maria Luz Valentina Bolo, Maria Luz Family Child Care
  • Farzaneh Fassihi, The Goddard School-Clarksburg
• Preschool Educator Excellence Award: Honors a center-based or family child care educator teaching children ages 3 to 5 years.
  • Blessing Avoseh, Blessing Home Day Care
  • Mariza Valentin, Happy Bumblebees Family Child Care
  • Nakisha Urbina, Easterseals Child Development Center
• Before and After School Educator Excellence Award: Honors a center-based or family child care educator teaching children before and after the school day.
  • Chukwudi Nwachukwu, Optimal Learning Center
• Educator Support Professional Excellence Award: Honors a center-based or family child care professional who provides classroom or program support for children birth to age 5.
  • Nicole Lee, Kiddie Academy of Silver Spring
• Innovative Leadership Excellence Award: Honors an outstanding leader within the child care community. The leader exemplifies innovation by championing inclusive, equitable, and high-quality policies and practices that impact the broader early childhood field beyond their own program or organization. Their leadership approach considers the needs of children, families, and educators.
  • Madhabi Sheth, MSL International Children's Learning Center
  • James Scott Mitchell, Silver Spring Nursery School
• Award for Lifetime Achievement in Early Care and Education: Honors an individual whose lifelong dedication, leadership, and impact have significantly advanced the field of early care and education. Through years of service, this honoree has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to young children, families, and the early childhood workforce. Their contributions have shaped policy, practice, and the professional growth of others, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and elevate the field.
  • Christina Peusch, Executive Director, Maryland State Child Care Association

The 2025 recipients of the Early Care and Education Excellence Awards were publicly recognized and honored by a selection committee comprised of representatives from different child care organizations. The acknowledgment took place at the 2025 Montgomery County Child Care Fall Conference hosted by CCSS. The ceremony, held at The Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza, brought together more than 200 educators.

# # #