Early Childhood Department Recognized for Excellence in Research and Education

Interdepartmental Collaboration and Commitment Drive Success for Head Start Teachers

Salish Kootenai College’s (SKC) Early Childhood Department has been honored with the prestigious Excellence in Early Childhood Research Award from the University of Montana Early Childhood Institute. The recognition highlights the tireless efforts of faculty and staff from various departments across campus, all dedicated to supporting Head Start teachers in achieving their associate and bachelor’s degrees.

The innovative approach taken by SKC has led to a significant increase in recruitment and retention of Head Start teachers pursuing courses and completing their degrees. This success is a result of the collaboration and dedication of the entire SKC community, which has worked together to adjust schedules and provide tailored instruction for these students.

Departments such as the Division of Education, Psychology, Environmental Science, Liberal Arts, NASD Studies, and Social Work have all contributed to the project, with faculty teaching evening courses and adapting instruction for remote students. Support staff from various departments, including IT and maintenance, have also played a crucial role in the project’s success.

Furthermore, the SKC Early Learning Center has been nationally recognized as an outstanding example of early childhood education and care by the National Bipartisan Policy Center. The Early Learning Center, led by Director Janet Jolley and her dedicated staff, provides a nurturing and educational environment for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, fostering a love for learning and discovery.

This impressive achievement by Salish Kootenai College showcases the power of interdepartmental collaboration and dedication in driving positive change in early childhood education. With the ongoing support of the SKC community, the college will continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of Head Start teachers and the children they serve, both within the Reservation and across partner institutions such as Chief Dull Knife College and Northwest Indian College.