In February 2007, The Terri Lynne Lokoff Child Care Foundation (TLLCCF) announced that Teri Aldrich, a preschool teacher at Heartland Programs in Salina, Kansas was selected to receive the Foundation’s top honor – the Helene Marks Award™ as the National Child Care Teacher of the Year™. Aldrich was one of the top ten scorers for the Terri Lynne Lokoff/Children’s TYLENOL® National Child Care Teacher Awards™, and was invited to answer an additional essay question to qualify for the top honor. Aldrich received her award formally at the awards ceremony on April 9, 2008 in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. The combined award for both honors was $2,000, a portion of which will benefit Heartland Programs.

Aldrich initiated her career in early childhood education when she began working as a full time paraeducator for Heartland Programs. After working for 3 ½ years, Kansas State University offered Aldrich the opportunity to return to college. She began working on her Early Childhood Degree in January 1998 while working full time with Heartland Programs. She was later able to student teach in the same room where she had worked as a paraeducator.

In December 2000, Teri graduated from the Kansas Status University with the honor of Outstanding Graduating Senior for the School of Family Science Human Services. Following graduation, she immediately began teaching at Heartland Programs as a long term substitute when a teacher took a leave of absence. In June 2001, she began her current position as “Director”/Lead Teacher of the FullDay, Full Year preschool. Aldrich is a member of the Kansas Head Start Association and the National Head Start Association.

This year, child care teachers from across the nation participated in the program. As part of the application process, applicants designed an enhancement project that illustrated the educational, social and emotional benefits for the children in their care. With her award-winning project, MARVEL with Movement,’ Aldrich, who works with children who have special needs, designed a program to prepare the children for higher academic achievement. MARVEL is an acronym for moving across the Midline, Aerobic exercise, Rhythmic movement,Vestibular movement, Eye contact and movement, and Large/gross motor movement. She will use the award money to purchase equipment that will enhance these activities.

The Terri Lynne Lokoff /Children’s TYLENOL® National Child Care Teacher Awards™ ceremony was held on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at the Pavilion at the King of Prussia Mall - located in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Award recipients were led through the mall procession style accompanied by a marching band. They were treated to makeovers and a luncheon courtesy of Bloomingdale’s Department Store. A Working Mother Magazine representative was the guest speaker for the event. She spoke about the challenges of balancing child care with her career. Aldrich received her award from Mr. Marks during a special award ceremony later that evening. After her acceptance speech she received a standing ovation. “I’ve never had a standing ovation…I couldn’t look at my family because they were all crying,” said Aldrich. “I met so many amazing people, both recipients and people associated with the Foundation. They really promote Quality Child Care in the North East.”