Two Hutch Kids teachers win statewide award

For making a difference in the lives of young children, Hutch Kids Child Care Center teachers Leisha Howard and Karen Szillat have won the annual Exceptional Caregiver Award from public television station KCTS.

Howard and Szillat were among seven early learning professionals statewide who received the honor Nov. 13 at the station’s Exceptional Caregiver’s Conference. A panel of experts in child development judged nominations submitted to KCTS from across Washington.

Howard, who has been at Hutch Kids for eight years, works with 4- to 7-month-old infants (the Ducklings class).

Szillat has been at Hutch Kids for nearly five years and works with the Trailblazers and Explorers classes, children from 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 years old.

“We are so proud of Leisha and Karen,” said Pam Grigsby Jones, Hutch Kids executive director. “They represent the dedication, caring and high standards that are the foundation of Hutch Kids' mission for providing top quality child care services to our community."