CDC teacher wins national award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Torey Griffith
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Sondi Grace, lead teacher at the Whiteman Child Development Center, is scheduled to receive a National Child Care Teacher Award™ for her "Natural Playground Project," which brings nature to the CDC playground.

Mrs. Grace will travel to Philadelphia, April 15, to receive the award from the Terri Lynne Lokoff/Children's Tylenol® National Child Care Teacher Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on improving the quality of early education programs.

"In honor of the Year of the Military Family, I was inspired to bring additional learning experiences to the children in my classroom," said Mrs. Grace. "I wanted the children to have the opportunity to learn about the circle of life, and the need to respect and contribute to nature."

Included in the award was funding for a greenhouse, which was part of the Natural Playground Project.

"The Natural Playground Project will provide a nature area, a greenhouse garden, a worm bin, and a step-stone path surrounded by plants designed to attract a variety of living creatures, all of which will be maintained with the help of the children."

Mrs. Grace believes the project will benefit the children in many ways, teaching teamwork, providing an appreciation for nature, and the satisfaction of a job well-done.

"It's a very big accomplishment, especially coming from a military facility," said Casey Powers, training and curriculum specialist. "We are extremely proud of her and the work she has done at the CDC."