Kern Chapter of CAAEYC

The Kern Chapter of California Association for the Education of Young Children (CAAEYC) provides professional growth workshops throughout the year to improve the quality of education our children receive in infant-toddler programs, preschool classrooms and home daycare provider’s homes. Kern County has a very passionate early childhood workforce and readily commits to support “school readiness” for all children. The Kern Chapter of CAAEYC’s list of board members are: Wilma Smith, President; Leticia Cabrera-Mendoza, President-Elect/Programs; Lydia Pires, Vice President/Membership Chair; Michael Bledsoe, Treasurer; Marina Mancera, Secretary; Jo’L Braden, Nominations and Elections; Maria Amaro, Ways and Means; Marlene Sanchez, Public Relations; and Linda Eberhart, Eastern Sierra Liaison.

On May 3, 2018 the Kern Chapter of CAAEYC, offered Kern County Early Childhood Educators an evening of celebration to honor all early educators and to award three honorees for their contributions in the field of Early Education.

The Caregiver Roundup took place at the Larry Reider Education Center at 2000 K Street in Bakersfield, California from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. President and Roundup Chairperson Wilma Smith and her committee of volunteers contributed their time and passions to honor the early childhood educators of Kern County. Many local sponsors provided an abundance of door prizes to honor Kern’s educators. Rosie Montoya, nutritionist and holistic health instructor, presented a nutrition and self-care mini-workshop, and many participants received Bowen Therapy shoulder massages offered by Salvador Pelayo. The earring make-and-take station headed by jewelry designer and board members Leticia Cabrera-Mendoza and her assistant Marina Mancera was very popular. The Branded Heart Fellowship Band provided the authentic Western displays and singing throughout the evening; everyone felt the aura of the Western theme and delighted in the decorating talents of Gloria Patterson. Photos were taken by Jennifer Cisneros.

Our evening ended with award presentations. Fresno Pacific University student, Ocanel Martinez received the Wendy Wayne Early Childhood Scholarship. She is working on her Bachelor of Arts Degree in the field of Early Childhood education with an emphasis on Special Education. The Honorable Office of Mayor Karen Goh signed proclamations for the President's Choice Awards. One of the honorees was Michael Bledsoe, director of the Delano Union Elementary School District’s preschool programs. Michael is also a long-standing volunteer board member of the Kern Chapter of CAAEYC. Joshua Alvarez, also a recipient of the President's Choice Award, lives outside of Kern County but serves Kern’s Early Childhood Educators by offering exceptional educational workshop presentations for our Chapter, the Early Childhood Council of Kern’s Child Development Conferences and supports programs through his employment as Educational Consultant of Kaplan Early Learning Company.

Mr. John Haskell’s wood shop students at Golden Valley High School (GVHS) in Bakersfield built a magnificent barn and corral for El Toro, one of the legendary horses from Wells Fargo stage coaches. This was one of the highlights of the evening – several people took selfies and group pictures with El Toro located in his corral adjacent to his well-crafted barn.

El Toro, the corral, and the barn were selected as the Grand Prize Drawing. The Grand Prize winner was Mel Mitchell – she was ecstatic!

We want to publically, thank Mr. Haskell and his woodshop students at GVHS for working enthusiastically and promoting a better community for those following in his footsteps.

Macy’s Bakersfield generously provided “A Day of Pampering” for our early childhood educators on Saturday, May 12, 2018. The festivity included complimentary makeovers, fashion show, refreshments and fabulous prizes.