The Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children recognizes the critical role advocacy plays in high quality early learning settings and celebrates those who speak on behalf of Pennsylvania's children. As the voice for early care and learning, community advocates are an invaluable component to assuring all Pennsylvania's children get the start they deserve in school and life.

The VOICE for Children Award is the only statewide award in Pennsylvania recognizing the grassroots leaders whose work impacts the quality of care for young children in diverse settings.  Now in its tenth year, the VOICE Award celebrates not only individual award recipients, but the early childhood profession.

Download 2020 VOICE Award Description 

Watch for the register details for the 2020 VOICE for Children Award Celebration coming soon!

Event Schedule: 

Friday October 2, 2020

5:00-6:00 PM

Reception, light Hors d'Oeuvres and cash bar

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Dinner and Program(or the conclusion of the program)

Celebration Dinner and Event Costs:

Early Bird Registration: $140/per person

Regular Registration: (After September 11, 2020) $150/per person

Click here to register today for the VOICE for Children Celebration

Make your HOTEL RESERVATIONS today:

The 2020 event will be held on Friday October 2, 2020 at the beautiful, historical Hotel Hershey in Hershey PA. Watch for dinner registration soon but be sure to book your hotel today for the best rate at this historical luxury hotel!

Hotel Registration:

For those who would like to extend their weekend and enjoy all that Hershey, PA has to offer, we have made available a block of rooms at the historic Hotel Hershey Resort. Reservations can be made for $295.00 per night as part of the PennAEYC special group rate.

Reservations can be made on or before September 1, 2020.  Special rate expires September 1, 2020. Space is limited so book your room today!

Hotel reservations can be made online or by phone:

ONLINE Hotel Reservation: Available in June 2020

Register online by using this link AVAILABLE in June 2020

Guests who prefer to call to make reservations can call 855-729-3108 and ask for the room block for the Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children at the Hotel Hershey October 2, 2020 -AVAILABLE in JUNE

For information on additional area hotels please contact Rose Snyder at 717-635-9026 or rsnyder@pennaeyc.org

Ariana Apolinario

VOICE BIO, Ariana Apolinario

VOICE for Children Student Honoree

Early Childhood Teacher, Inspiration Station Early Learning Center

Dr. Tammi McMillan

VOICE BIO, Dr. Tammi McMillan

VOICE for Children Honoree

Director of Early Childhood Apprentice Hub, Carlow University

Leslie Spina

VOICE BIO, Leslie Spina

VOICE for Children Honoree

Founder, Owner and Executive Director, Kinder Academy Inc.

Richard Fiene, Ph.D.

VOICE BIO, Dr. Fiene

Distinguished Career Honoree

Research Psychologist

Debbie Gallagher, M.Ed.

VOICE BIO, Debbie Gallagher

Distinguished Career Honoree

Early Head Start Director, Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center Early Head Start 

Patricia (Pat) Miiller

VOICE BIO, Pat Miiller

Distinguished Career Honoree

In loving memory of our friend, Early Childhood Advocate and Leader