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 is October 25. The award will consist of a check in the amount of $250 and a framed certificate.
