The Fordland Early Childhood Center has earned prestigious recognition as the 2024 Early Childhood Education Program of the Year from Future Builders, the educational foundation of the Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA).
Tonia Nunn, the Early Childhood Director at Fordland Elementary, announced that the program will be recognized in the small school district category at the MSBA annual conference in Kansas City on October 19.
"This is a significant achievement for our program, and we are thrilled to be honored among our peers in Missouri," Nunn said. She explained that the application process began when Superintendent Dr. Vickers shared the award application with her in June. The winners were notified at the end of July, and Fordland was the sole small school district to receive the award.
Nunn highlighted five key areas that contributed to their success: support for child development, innovation, parent and community involvement, leadership commitment, and school readiness.
“Our dedicated educators and staff work tirelessly to provide a nurturing environment for our students, and this recognition reflects their hard work and passion,” she added.
The Fordland Early Childhood Center serves approximately 50 students, offering a full-day preschool for four-year-olds and a half-day program for three-year-olds, alongside a Parents as Teachers section. The center just expanded its offerings by opening a second full-day preschool classroom, a move made possible by successfully securing two grants.
"This expansion is crucial for our community, as it allows us to meet the growing needs of our families and hire additional staff," Nunn noted. She expressed her appreciation for her team, stating, “The love and commitment they show to our students and community every day is remarkable.”
Though this was Nunn’s first time applying for the award, she was initially uncertain about the outcome. “I was hoping for the best but didn’t expect to win. When I received the news from Dr. Vickers, it was a mix of shock and excitement—not just for me, but for our entire team,” she said.
With the recognition and developing expansions, the Fordland Early Childhood Center is poised to make an even greater impact on the lives of its young learners. Nunn is proud of the dedication of the staff and the quality of education provided in their program.
As the center prepares to celebrate this achievement, it stands as a testament to the commitment to early childhood education within the Fordland community.
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