On May 20th, the Tidewater Association For Early Childhood Education (TAECE) presented Ms. Roney, the lead teacher of PCC’s Busy Bees class, with the Alice Powell Grant. From the 1930s to the 1970s, Alice Mendham took on many roles involving early childhood education, including director, professor, founder, and organizer, promoting the importance education plays in social change. In honor of Dr. Powell’s work in Hampton Roads, annually, TAECE awards the Alice Powell Grant to current members of TAECE that have actively engaged in the program for two or more years.
To earn the grant, TAECE members like Ms. Roney must demonstrate dedication to professional growth within early childhood education with their biography, teaching philosophy, and letters of recommendation. Awardees can utilize the $500 grant for various projects and educational opportunities relative to working with early-aged children. When asked what she intended to use the award for, Ms. Roney shared that she would enhance her classroom library and science learning centers, including acquiring indestructible books and felt board pieces.
