Kent Huntoon, a preschool teacher at Lund in South Burlington, heads a list of six early-childhood educators and advocates who were honored Oct. 29 by the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children.
Huntoon, who teaches in Lund’s early-childhood education program, was named VTAEYC's Early Childhood Educator of the Year in recognition of his commitment to high-quality, inclusive education for young children, as well as his leadership and dedication to building strong relationships with families.
“Kent creates a warm, engaging environment where every child feels valued and has the chance to grow at their own pace,” said VTAEYC Executive Director Sharron Harrington. “His focus on play, inclusion and developmentally appropriate practice encourages children’s natural curiosity and love of learning, and strengthens bonds among the family and classroom.”
In addition to Early Childhood Educator of the Year, VTAEYC presented awards that recognize excellence and advocacy among individuals at all career stages who are working both within and in support of early-childhood education. The awardees are:
- LouAnn Beninati, senior program director at Let’s Grow Kids in Burlington, Distinguished Service Award.
- Haley Harrington, early-childhood educator at The Learning Tree, Early Childhood Education Student of the Year.
- Alora Zargo, a senior at Brattleboro Union High School and the Windham Regional Career Center and a youth apprentice in early-childhood education, Emerging Leader Award.
- Billie Slade, director of Wonder in the Woods in East Dummerston, and Laura Butler, owner of Imagination Island Child Care in Milton, Outstanding Members Award.