Inside Education and Health Sciences

The Bombeck Family Learning Center was chosen as the 2022 Early Childhood Education Program of the Year by the Southwest Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children (SWOAEYC).

Michelle Donley is the director of the Bombeck Center.

"We are truly humbled and honored to receive the Early Childhood Education Program of the Year award," Donley said. "It is an incredible recognition of the hard work, dedication, and passion that the entire Bombeck school family poured into creating a program that is research-based, child-centered, and family-focused."

SWOAEYC board president Marie Willins notified Donley of the award via email in late April.

"Your work in this area demonstrates a strong commitment to being a true agent of change for the children, families, teachers, and community you serve," Willins wrote in a congratulatory email. "[T]hank you for all that you do to elevate the field of early childhood education."

In addition to this award, the Bombeck Center is 5-star rated in the State of Ohio's Step Up to Quality rating system, is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and is recognized as a Preschool Promise partner site.

The center serves as the early childhood education demonstration school for UD. The teachers mentor more than 60 practicum students each semester, and many teach the college courses tied to the practicum.

"So, it’s not only the children and families we are serving," Donley said, "but also future educators."