Kevin Swick Family & School
Community Partnership Award
Summary
This award is established to support early childhood programs in their local work to engage in partnerships with their families and the schools-communities that they serve.
Who was Dr. Kevin Swick?
Kevin J. Swick was a Professor of Early Childhood Education in the Department of Instruction and Teacher Education at the University of South Carolina - Columbia. Dr. Swick was a true pioneer in the early childhood field, leading the field in examining our relationships with families from all walks of life. He worked extensively in researching family/school-community partnerships, supporting diverse families and service learning. Dr. Swick published over 100 journal articles and wrote over 25 books. He was active in early childhood professional groups, presided as President of the South Carolina Early Childhood Association from 1981-1982, as President of the Southern Early Childhood Association from 1985-1986, and worked with parent and family programs throughout the United States. He received his Ph.D. in 1970 from the University of Connecticut.
Purpose of the Grant
To honor the memory of Dr. Kevin Swick and his lifelong work in the field of family/school-community partnerships. Dr. Swick spent his career helping educators design and support family engagement programs at the local level. This award would recognize early childhood programs which demonstrate exemplary family and community partnerships. The award funds can be used to support ongoing or innovative practices in this area.
Eligibility Criteria
Any early care and education program/practitioner that demonstrates exemplary work with families and communities of young children is eligible to apply.
The program/practitioner must meet the following criteria:
- Program/practitioner serving children/families from birth – 8 years old
- Legally operating
- Demonstrate family engagement strategies
- Demonstrate community partnerships
The Awards Committee will select the recipient of the award based on a rubric. The deadline for applying will be October 25. The award will consist of a check for $250 and a framed certificate.
Kevin Swick Family & School-Community Partnership Award*
This award is to be given annually to honor the memory of Dr. Kevin Swick and his lifelong work in the field of family/school-community partnerships. Dr. Swick spent his career helping educators design and support family engagement programs at the local level. This award would recognize early childhood individuals or programs, which demonstrate exemplary family and community partnerships. The award funds can be used to support ongoing or innovative practices in this area. The recipient does not need to be a member of SCECA to receive the award. The recipient will receive a check for $250.00 and a framed certificate.