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 ninth year, the VOICE Award celebrates not only individual award recipients, but the early childhood profession.

Watch for the register details for the 2020 VOICE for Children Award Celebration in January 2020!

Make your HOTEL RESERVATIONS today: Information below for the 2019 event!

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 $289.00 per night as part of the PennAEYC special group rate.

Reservations can be made on or before February 28, 2019.  Special rate expires March 1, 2019. Space is limited so book your room today!

Hotel reservations can be made online or by phone:

2019 ONLINE Hotel Reservation Link:

Register online by using this link

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 April 5-6, 2019

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

2019 Event fees:

EARLY BIRD: Register before February 15, 2019 for Early bird discount!

Early Bird Rates                                                                     Regular Rates

Individual BEFORE Feb. 15^th $120.00                     Individual AFTER Feb. 15^th $130.00

Table Reservations:                                                             Table Reservations:

Table Reservation for 6: $720.00                               Table Reservation AFTER Feb. 15th, $780.00

Table Reservation for 8: $960.00                               Table Reservation AFTER Feb. 15th, $1040.00

Event sponsorship and advertising available. For Sponsorship Information please contact Rose Snyder at rsnyder@pennaeyc.org

Dr. Essence Allen-Presley

Owner I.C.U STEM Academy and Founder/President of the Childcare Institute of America, Delaware County

Read Dr. Essence Allen-Presley's full bio Dr. E Allen-Presley

Betty Lisowski

Executive Director Riverview Children's Center, trainer and advocate

Read Betty Lisowski's full bio: B Lisowski

Kathryn Stennett, M.Ed.

Retired, Director of Capital Area Early Childhood Training Institute, Harrisburg

Read Kathy Stennett's full bio: K Stennett M.Ed

Peg Szczurek, M. Ed,

Retired, Associate Director of Delaware Valley AEYC, now First Up Champions for Early Education

Read Peg Szczurek's full bio: P Szczurek M.Ed.

Kathleen Pavelko

President and CEO of WITF Public Media

Read Kathleen Pavelko's full bio: K Pavelko

2019 VOICE for Children Award Celebration Dinner

Congratulations to the 2019 honorees!

Watch for pictures of the 2019 celebration event soon!