Early Childhood Student Receives Industry Award

Kailee Fox, a second-year Early Childhood Specialist student, received special recognition from her field when she was honored with the South Dakota Association for the Education of Young Children’s (SDAEYC) Student Award. The award celebrates students dedicated to early childhood education and acknowledges dedicated professionals whose work impacts the quality of care and early education for young children and their families.

The award was presented during the 2022 SDAEYC conference in Spearfish in early April.

Fox was nominated by a co-worker at Holy Cross Preschool, who says, “Kailee is navigating the toddler classroom in a positive and encouraging way. She always has a smile on her face and is ready for her day. She demonstrates the knowledge she is learning from STC, and this is playing a big part on the quality of care she provides.”

Fox shared segments from a self-reflection assignment she completed in her Professional Development in Early Childhood course, and said, “Growing up, I wanted to be a nurse. I wanted to save lives and care for people who need my help. After going to a couple classes, I realized that it was not for me. That was a hard time in my life, thinking I was a failure. While talking to my roommates, one of them suggested I apply at a childcare center.”

Fox continued, “After receiving the job, I wanted to learn more about the field. I discovered I have a huge passion for children so I enrolled in the Early Childhood program at Southeast Technical College. I had no idea this is where I would be or end up but I’m so happy I am.”

“The fact that it was an accident makes it even more special to me. It was my calling. I am caring for those who need my help, and I will defiantly change lives for the better,” Fox concluded.