Kim Garcia-Meza Recognized for Outstanding Preschool Program

Preschool teacher Kim Garcia-Meza is one of nine recipients of the Excellence in Teaching Award. The award is given by First 5 San Francisco to recognize excellence in professionalism, dedication, care, and education of children in the City’s Preschool for All program. Kim is the Director of Las Mañanitas, and she is the only teacher from a family child care home to receive the award.

Stop by Las Mañanitas on any weekday morning, and you will find Kim out in the garden leading children in a game or making friends with worms. In her Spanish-immersion preschool program, children learn to appreciate nature, cook meals, and manage relationships. Kim strives to create an academic foundation for her students by helping them learn through play, develop a strong sense of self, and adapt a kind, gentle attitude.

Children’s Council staff has had the honor of working with Kim for many years. As an active participant in the Child Care Food Program, Healthy Apple Program, and the Family Child Care Quality Network, Kim continuously inspires her peers in the child care community. She volunteers at Children’s Council’s annual Growing Healthy Kids community health fair, where she shares her successful strategies for providing healthy food in child care.

Health and Nutrition Specialist, Julisa Nunez voices her admiration for Kim:

“Kim somehow manages to incorporate so many high-quality, engaging aspects to her program and to do it all with excellence and grace. Her program is a hidden treasure within San Francisco!”

To see a video featuring Kim’s award winning Las Mañanitas program, visit First 5 of San Francisco’s blog.

Congratulations to Kim, whose dedication to early education, nutrition and childhood wellbeing is an example for us all!