Lexington Two’s STAR Family Partnership/Early Childhood program has been recognized with the statewide Growing Strong District Distinction Award from the South Carolina Partnerships for Inclusion, highlighting the district’s efforts to get young children and their families off to strong educational starts by implementing evidence-based early childhood practices.

The award citation from the South Carolina Partnerships for Inclusion read in part: “Your nomination demonstrated a longstanding commitment to building strong foundations to improve outcomes for young children and families, anchored by your Preschool Inclusion Team’s leadership since 2016. We were especially impressed with the impact of your itinerant teaching model, expanding access and meaningful participation for preschool students with disabilities in your community. Your bilingual Parent Educators, home visitation supports, and inclusive playgroups reflect a deep commitment to intentional family engagement. The evidence of growth through community-wide professional development events and strong partnerships with child care providers shows the systemic and sustainable impact of your work.”

Mary Brooks, Lexington Two’s Director of Parenting/CERDEP and Early Childhood Coordinator, said her team is honored to be selected for the statewide award, which will be presented at the organization’s annual conference.

“We are pleased to receive the recognition, as it validates our efforts to develop partnerships and build systems to support inclusive high-quality early learning environments for our area’s young children and their families, Brooks said.

A member of the team, Rosalinda Contreras (second from right), was also recognized recently, selected as one of only four National Parent Educators of the Year by the Parents As Teachers Association.