UIS Cox Children’s Center teacher honored with national award for providing quality care

Kristin Kruger, a teacher at the University of Illinois Springfield Cox Children’s Center, has been awarded the Terri Lynne Lokoff/Children’s TYLENOL National Child Care Teacher Award. The award acknowledges the critical role of child care teachers in providing quality early care and education.

Child care teachers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. Military bases around the world were invited to apply. Fifty teachers were selected for their commitment and dedication to the children they serve.

As part of the application process, Kruger designed a classroom enhancement project for the children she teaches illustrating the educational, social, and emotional benefits of the project. A committee of early childhood educators and specialists reviewed the applications and selected the winners.

“Kristin had to apply, design the project and have letters of reference from a parent, co-workers and myself,” said Stacey Gilmore, director of the UIS Cox Children’s Center. “We couldn’t be more proud of her accomplishments.”

Kruger will receive $500 for her personal use and $500 to implement her classroom enhancement project. She’ll also receive an all expense trip to Pennsylvania for the award ceremony where they will announce the grand winner.

Kruger plans to use the funding to enhance the educational experiences for all students by introducing culturally diverse materials in the classroom.