Para la versión en español, oprima aquí.
The advancement of bilingual services in child care throughout Nebraska has come a long way in recent years, in part due to one woman’s tireless efforts.
Maricela Novoa is Central Region Early Learning Connection bilingual specialist with Educational Service Unit (ESU) #10, in Kearney, Nebraska, and she plays a key role in organizing the annual Growing Together: Spanish Childcare Educators Conference in Grand Island.
This event serves as a cornerstone for collaboration among child care professionals, creating a community dedicated to providing the best possible care for Nebraska's children. Maricela lends her vision to ensure the conference addresses the evolving needs of the child care industry.
Her year-round dedication to training and her pivotal role as a resource for the Center for Rural Affairs’s Women Business Center (WBC) demonstrate her commitment to securing the safety and well-being of the children of Nebraska.
Because of her passion for this ongoing work, Maricela has been chosen to receive the Center for Rural Affairs 2023 Entrepreneur Partner Award.
This award is presented to an individual or individuals who best exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that is so crucial to the future prosperity of Nebraska’s rural communities. The award winner has demonstrated outstanding support for the Center and exceptional dedication to small business development through technical assistance, business training, lending, and networking across rural Nebraska.
“Maricela is a trailblazer in advocating for bilingual services, recognizing the critical role language plays in early childhood development,” said Jessica Campos, WBC director with the Center. “Through policy initiatives and awareness campaigns, Maricela strives to create an environment where every child has access to high-quality, culturally sensitive child care services.”
According to Maricela, this award marks a significant milestone in her efforts to make a positive impact in Nebraska.
“By supporting Spanish-language child care providers and educators, we are not only empowering them to see themselves as professionals but also equipping them with the necessary tools and support to thrive as independent and successful business owners,” said Maricela. “Moreover, our collaboration enables us to provide professional development opportunities, fostering their growth as early childhood educators.”
This not only benefits the children of Nebraska, it supports their parents as well.
“Our endeavors enable parents to work and contribute to the economy with peace of mind, knowing their children are in capable hands,” Maricela said.
The mission of the Growing Together: Spanish Childcare Educators Conference captures Maricela’s goals to recruit more people into the early childhood education profession and educate current providers and educators on crucial early childhood content. She also hopes to build trust among Spanish-speaking educators to enhance their capacity and quality of care and support the creation of quality learning environments and experiences for children.
“This holistic approach reflects our commitment to excellence and equity in child care, especially in our rural areas, and it fills my heart with pride to be part of such a meaningful journey,” Maricela said.
She feels humbled to receive the Entrepreneur Partner Award from the Center, and shares the recognition with the people she works with.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the 30-plus members of the Growing Together: Spanish Childcare Educators Conference Committee, whom I've had the privilege to lead,” Maricela said. “This award belongs to each one of them. Together, we've made a difference, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such incredible individuals.”
She said she hopes to continue collaborating with the Center on other projects.
“The Center has an abundance of resources to offer new home child care providers and educators embarking on the journey of becoming business owners,” she said. “It's my sincere wish that this partnership continues to flourish. I also aspire for us to extend our support to speakers of other languages, beyond Spanish. Together, let's continue to make a difference and empower child care providers and educators of all backgrounds.”
Maricela was presented the Entrepreneur Partner Award during the Growing Together: Spanish Childcare Educators Conference on April 27.
