BLI Recognition Ceremony held June 8

Group of early childhood educators holding certificates

The Business & Leadership Institute for Early Learning (BLI) celebrated its most recent classes at a June 8 event at the Santa Fe College Blount Center.

The Children's Trust-funded program includes two tracks: the Master Class and the Accreditation Academy. The BLI Master Class Series empowers business professionals and entrepreneurs in the industry of childcare. It is designed for early learning center, family home-based owners or operators, and after-school centers as well as those planning to open a childcare business. Lessons in finance, marketing, human resources and real estate are delivered on-site by Alachua County subject matter experts engaged in business within the community. Once accepted to the Master Class, participants are eligible for acceptance to the Children’s Trust Accreditation Academy.

The June 8 event included a keynote address by LaTanya Wynn-Hall, remarks from Children's Trust Executive Director Marsha Kiner, plus recognition of BLI president and founder Robyn Perlman; mentors Carol Foo, Russell Scoates and Dietra Sherman; and others involved throughout the coursework.

Twenty-six educators made up the honorees across the two programs for Spring 2024.

 
Master Class

  • Lyria Allen, Lyria Loving Daycare

  • Miracle Carter, Kid’s Culture Learning Academy, LLC

  • Schuran Cartwright, Gainesville Empowerment Zone Family Learning Center

  • Deborah Danzy, Little Debbie’s Childcare

  • Heather Doles, Santa Fe College Little School

  • Taketa Hall, Tiny Little Blessing

  • Deloris Head, Head Family Daycare

  • Kia Jackson-Bowie, Hawthorne Academy, LLC

  • Allysen Marks, Kids Count in Alachua County

  • Tammy Parnell, Love-N-Care Preschool

  • Gwendolyn Scott, Scott Large Family Childcare Home

  • Tarusa Sledge, Central Kids Learning Academy

  • Christina Vinson, E & C Early Learning Center, Inc.

  • Joyce Vinson, Joyce Vinson Family Day Care

 
Accreditation Academy

  • Sylvia Paluzzi, Morning Meadow Preschool and Kindergarten

  • Jenny Saxby, Step By Step Learning Center

  • Hansee Vargas, The Kidz House

  • Deborah Williams, Incredible Minds Learning Child Care

  • Maria Papallo, Maria Papallo Large Family Daycare Home

  • Loretta Mitchell, Mitchell Childcare

  • Gregory and Dietra Sherman, Patti-Cake Christian Academy

  • Leanette Simmons, Simmons home Childcare

  • Donna Miller, Hand N Hand CCC

  • Antionette Anderson, Granny D’s Learning Center

  • Shateka Akridge, Small Steps Institute

  • Andrea Hale, Bright Minds Family Daycare

View more photos from the event at https://flic.kr/ps/42uQFY.

 

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