CCSA’s 2024 Triangle Child Care Awards
Every two years, Child Care Services Association (CCSA) gathers community leaders, child care providers and advocates to celebrate the dedicated individuals working to ensure the Triangle’s children receive the highest quality of early care and education.
Join us in recognizing a group of dedicated professionals who work each day to guarantee our children have the best possible start in life as we recognize three early childhood champions and present the Child Care Services Association Public Service Award, the Dorothy B. Graham Early Childhood Leadership Award and the Mary Y. Bridgers Early Childhood Teacher Award.
Friday, March 8, 2024 | 8:00 am
The Friday Center
100 Friday Center Dr.
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Sponsorship Opportunities
We invite you to join us as a sponsor of the Triangle Child Care Awards to bring community awareness to the work being done on behalf of the Triangle’s young children.
About the Awards
CCSA will present the following three awards recognizing the impact of early childhood educators, public servants and the community on young children and their families.
Child Care Services Association Public Service Award
Because young children cannot speak for themselves, they are often dependent on public officials and community advocates to speak on their behalf and to create public policies that will protect them and enrich their lives. Therefore, the Child Care Services Association Public Service Award was created in 2000 to recognize and honor volunteers and elected public officials who have demonstrated a commitment to improving the quality of early education and have made a difference in the lives of young children in the Triangle.
Nominate a public official or community volunteer who has provided outstanding service on behalf of the Triangle’s young children.
Dorothy B. Graham Early Childhood Leadership Award
The Dorothy B. Graham Early Childhood Leadership Award is given to an individual who has been a leader in improving early education and who has made a difference in the lives of young children in the Triangle. This award was created in 1998 and was named for Dorothy B. Graham in recognition of her more than 25 years of leadership and dedication to the early care and educational needs of young children in Durham County and statewide.
Nominate an individual who has provided exceptional leadership in improving child care in the Triangle.
Mary Y. Bridgers Early Childhood Teacher Award
The Mary Y. Bridgers Early Childhood Teacher Award is given to an early childhood teacher and three finalists in recognition of their professional commitment and outstanding care to children in the Triangle. Created in the 1980s, the Mary Y. Bridgers Early Childhood Teacher Award is named for Mary Y. Bridgers in recognition of her more than 30 years of service in Orange County as an early childhood teacher and advocate for children.
Nominate an early childhood teacher for their outstanding commitment and care to children in the Triangle.
Nomination deadline: January 19, 2024
2024 Triangle Child Care Awards RSVP
This event is free but guests must register to attend.
Congratulations to the 2022 Triangle Child Care Award Winners and Special recognitions!
Child Care Services Association Public Service Award Winner

Representative Julie von Haefen
Dorothy B. Graham Early Childhood Leadership Award Winner

Peggy Ball
Mary Y. Bridgers Early Childhood Teacher Award Winner

LaTida Adams
from A Brilliant Beginning Daycare in Durham
Mary Y. Bridgers Early Childhood Teacher Award Winner

Michelle Tuttle
from Estes Children’s Cottage in Chapel Hill
The 2022 Mary Y. Bridgers Early Childhood Teacher Award finalists and semi-finalists were…
Finalist: Pebbles Lucas from First Chronicles Daycare Center in Durham
Finalist: Bernita Mavhura from Early Preschool and Learning Center in Raleigh
Semi-Finalist: Daniel Mabini from The Whitted School in Durham
Semi-Finalist: Aisha Hassan from Wanda’s Little Hands Educational Center in Raleigh

Congratulations to the 2020 Winners!

Child Care Services Association Public Service Award
Senator Floyd McKissick Jr.

Child Care Services Association Public Service Award
Reverend Dr. Michael Page

Dorothy B. Graham Early Childhood Leadership Award
Pam Dowdy

Mary Y. Bridgers Early Childhood Teacher Award
Graciela Muñoz
Learn more about the 2020 Triangle Child Care Awards winners. »