YMCA of Metro Atlanta Pre-K Educator Wins Award

The YMCA of Metro Atlanta today announced Alderine Healy, a lead teacher from Paulding Early Learning Center in Hiram has been named Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) 2020 Private Pre-K Teacher of the Year. Healey was one of three finalists for the award that celebrates excellence in the classroom; and one of two finalists from YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s early learning programs, the other being D’Arri Moore from Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA.

“YMCA of Metro Atlanta is immensely proud and grateful to be represented by an educator of Alderine Healy’s caliber,” said Lauren Koontz, president and CEO of YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “Youth development is a responsibility with which we are entrusted each day by parents and stakeholders, and that is a charge we will never take lightly. Placing teachers like Alderine in our classrooms is one of the most important contributions we will make toward a child’s future.”

Healey began her teaching career at the Paulding Early Learning Center in the afterschool program in 2010. She later accepted a position as an assistant teacher at Paulding Early Learning Center in 2012 and lead pre-K teacher at the center in 2016. Healey’s creative and family-oriented approach to education has enabled her to make connections lasting far beyond her pre-K classroom. From holiday events to learning through preforming arts, Healey fosters a sense of expression and community in her classroom. She recently earned her master’s degree in early childhood education from Grand Canyon University and plans to expand her educational impact by pursuing an adjunct professor position at a local college or university.

“The magnitude of this recognition is not lost on me, as I know there are many dedicated pre-K teachers across Georgia who go the extra mile every day to ensure the success of their students,” said Alderine Healy. “My intent is to represent these exceptional teachers and ensure our communities gain a better understanding of all the work that goes into preparing children for their educational and life journeys.”

Healy will receive a $3,000 prize, an additional $2,000 for a classroom makeover and $2,500 to cover classroom costs. She will also serve as an ambassador for the Georgia’s Pre-K program for one year.

For more information about the award, visit http://www.decal.ga.gov/.