Earlychildhood NEWS Announces 2003 Judges' Selection

The Earlychildhood NEWS Judges' Selection: Outstanding Products of 2003 Awards were announced last night at the National Association for the Education of Young Children 2003 Annual Conference in Chicago, IL. The eight Judges' Selection winners were chosen from a selection of 34 products that received the Directors' Choice Award. The Earlychildhood NEWS Directors' Choice Award honors excellence in the design and manufacture of products for young children used in a professional child care setting.

As winners of the prestigious Directors' Choice Award, these products have already endured numerous tests to ensure their safety, durability, and ability to withstand the rigors of use by multiple children. Of the 34 honored products, expert judges in varying aspects of early childhood education narrowed the field to these eight products that they felt truly stood out from the other Directors' Choice winners.

The winners of the 2003 Judges' Selection are chosen as examples of exceptional products for learning based upon their uniqueness, special qualities, craftsmanship, and innovation. The products honored in eight categories including: arts & crafts, audio, building toys, curriculum, furniture and play equipment, infants and toddlers, storytelling and children's books, and teachers' resources.

As a career educator, I understand that it is essential for a product to meet the criteria for discovery and entertainment as well as practicality for successful use in the child care setting. These winning products consistently stood-out, said John Funk, Early Childhood Manager for SLCAP Head Start in Salt Lake City, UT and judge of the 2003 Directors' Choice and Judges' Selection awards.

According to Megan Shaw, Editor of Earlychildhood NEWS, With increasing focus on early education, we are pleased that this program recognizes the work of manufacturers who are designing new and innovative products for young children. The judging process actually opens a dialog between manufacturers and educators, and we hope the result will be more great products to enhance the early education experience.

Also see: Remote Control Cars

About The Author:

Ushi Boore is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-toys.com. Find all the toys you wish you had as a kid. Fun and educational toys found here.