This month, Duncanville resident and preschool teacher Mariama High was presented with the Dave Munson Teacher of the Year Award for her unending devotion to providing the very best early learning experiences for preschool-age children. High has taught for 15 years at Duncanville Learning Center, where she is regarded as a mentor and friend to the staff.

Educational First Steps presented the award, named after the nonprofit’s founder and education advocate Dave Munson, at the organization’s annual conference for early education providers this month. In addition to the surprise recognition in front of her peers, High received a check for $500. Educational First Steps is a North Texas nonprofit organization that helps childcare centers achieve national quality standards and close the learning gap for children.

“Mariama is a leader who is always determined to do more in the classroom,” said Samantha Moya, director of Early Learning Programs for Educational First Steps. “She truly embraces the idea that an enriching early education helps children get the educational start they need and deserve.”

Educational First Steps worked with High and the other teachers at Duncanville Learning Center on its national accreditation process. Duncanville Learning Center is one of only two privately owned centers in the area that has received this recognition from the national accreditation commission.

To prepare at-risk children for school and life success, Educational First Steps improves the quality and availability of high-quality early learning environments. The North Texas-based nonprofit organization goes to the neighborhoods, daycare centers and homes where children in poverty are cared for and provides their caregivers with proven tools and techniques for teaching. Educational First Steps currently supports 370 classrooms and their teachers, building a foundation for lifelong learning for 4,000 children in Dallas and Tarrant Counties. For information, visit www.educationalfirststeps.org.