Irene has served as a  Curriculum and Assessment (C&A) Technical Assistant (TA) with Delaware Stars for last five years.  As a member of the C&A team, she supports programs by focusing on curriculum-and assessment-related quality improvements.  Irene is invested in creating a learning environment so children have the best possible outcomes.

Irene brings more than 23 years of experience in the early care and education field, both working as a teacher and a director.  She recalls her moment of clarity about the importance of developmentally-appropriate curriculum.  In a previous role, Irene worked for a program that was housed in a museum.  The curriculum was derived from the museum's exhibits so the children had hands-on experiences with the materials. The students were so engaged, she became an advocate on the value of curriculum used effectively.

Fast forward several years later, now Irene helps teachers and administrators really understand curriculum and assessment.  

"Offering great learning experiences with appropriate materials and interactions is the key to success in any program," according to Irene.  

She sees assessment as equally important. "Through careful observation and assessment of children we are able to build or refine their skills. By intentionally planning for each individual child, we set them up for success in the classroom and beyond." 

Capacity Grant - Deadline Information

Star Level 5 Programs Meeting Wrap Up

Great Turnout, Great Exchanges

Thank you to all those providers who participated in the recent Star Level 5 Programs meeting at Delaware Technical Community College.  

More than 85 providers participated in an afternoon of networking and sharing about ways to continually provide better care for Delaware's youngest children.  The meeting also included an update from Stars Director Dr. Kristy Sheffler followed by a question and answer session.