Learning Care Group News: June 20, 2024
Novi, Michigan (June 20, 2024) – Learning Care Group (LCG) recently announced its 2024 class of award recipients for its esteemed Teacher of the Year Award and Lisa Miskimins Mentorship Award.
“This year’s class of award recipients embody LCG’s mission of providing children a consistent, safe and enriching environment to instill a lifelong love of learning and a solid foundation for a successful educational future,” said Mark Bierley, CEO of Learning Care Group. “They not only elevate the services LCG offers families but also uplift and encourage their colleagues in reaching new levels of educational excellence.”
The Teacher of the Year Award recognizes educators from each division of the company that are inspiring children to become lifelong learners. These educators also exhibit excellent communication skills with families and caregivers and show support to their colleagues by lending a helping hand. This year’s award recipients include:
- Fallon Hott, Lead Teacher, Childtime of Huntington Beach, CA
- Jamie Mazzola, Master Teacher, Childtime on Tiffany Ln., Virginia Beach, VA
- Amy Wyant, Team Lead, Tutor Time of Portage, MI
The Lisa Miskimins Mentorship Award highlights educators that have gone above and beyond in their role and act as a mentor to fellow teachers and staff. The award was established in the name of Lisa Miskimins, Former Senior Vice President of Operations, due to her leadership and efforts in advising many early childhood educators throughout her career. This year’s award recipients include:
- Franklin Bay, Director, Childtime on Pleasant Grove, Roseville, CA
- Tarrin McCarthy, Team Lead, Childtime of Greece, Rochester, NY
- Mehek Zariwala, Team Lead, Pathways at Northview Church, Carmel, IN
As one of the largest providers of early childhood education nationwide, LCG serves more than 160,000 children nationwide from ages 6 weeks to 12 years old across more than 1,070 locations in 39 states. The Group’s staff of over 20,000 educators is responsible each day for carrying out its goal of having a positive impact on every child, family and community.
Learn more about each member of the 2024 awards class below.
Teacher of the Year Award Recipients
Fallon Hott | Lead Teacher | West Division
Hott has been with LCG for a decade and is renowned for her nurturing approach as a toddler teacher, expertly guiding young learners. She steps in whenever assistance is needed, and her focus and attention to every detail in her classroom ensures her students receive a successful learning environment. Hott is known for extending warmth and camaraderie to her colleagues and offering support, whether troubleshooting on iPads or facilitating shift changes. She loves participating in staff events and invests in building strong bonds with families, fostering trust while providing support that is tailored to their needs. As a lifelong learner, she actively participates in professional development, fostering collaboration and encouraging her peers.
Jamie Mazzola | Master Teacher | East Division
Mazzola ignites children's imaginations daily through her organized and welcoming classrooms that foster a culture of exploration and creativity. Her classrooms are vibrant hubs with hands-on activities, captivating artwork and thoughtfully crafted lesson plans. She utilizes technology to communicate daily with parents and caregivers and actively supports her fellow teachers, offering insights and assistance to enhance learning environments across the board. She is an expert at preparing kids for Kindergarten and has used her expertise to support other centers, ensuring that every child has access to a successful environment.
Amy Wyant | Team Lead | Central Division
Wyant’s tenure at LCG spans 26 years—a testament to her dedication and commitment to early childhood education. Her passion for education and ability to foster genuine connections with children in her classroom inspires those fortunate enough to collaborate with her. Her encouragement empowers those around her to be the best version of themselves. By fostering meaningful interactions with families during drop-offs and pickups, Wyant cultivates an atmosphere of warmth and joy within her classroom. She invests herself in her position and has dedicated her life to early childhood education, impacting countless children, families and peers.
Lisa Miskimins Mentorship Award
Franklin Bay | Director | West Division
Bay has a commitment to personal and professional growth, embracing new challenges and alternative approaches with an open mind. Leading by example, his calm demeanor exudes a quiet confidence that inspires others to follow his lead. Bay also supports team members who are navigating their own paths of professional and personal development. He is known for lending a guiding hand whenever needed and for fostering an environment of encouragement and empowerment.
Tarrin McCarthy | Team Lead | East Division
McCarthy has spent the past 17 years with and has been an important part of her school's development throughout her tenure. From classroom management to lesson planning and safety protocols to crafting engaging learning environments, she brings a wealth of knowledge and guidance to her colleagues. Her expertise is a sought-after resource district-wide for curriculum training, and she willingly extends her guidance to new directors, traveling to other schools to ensure they're set up for success. Patient, kind, and endlessly dedicated to her students' success, Tarrin embodies the very essence of an exceptional educator.
Mehek Zariwala | Team Lead | Central Division
Zariwala shines as a mentor among her teammates, offering guidance and support with a gentle touch. Known for her patience and compassion, her colleagues turn to her for advice not only in managing students but also in attending to parents’ needs and concerns. Her hands-on experience and insightful guidance serves as a resource for new teachers, inspiring them to reach their fullest potential.
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About Learning Care Group, Inc.
Learning Care Group is the second-largest for-profit early education and child care provider in North America and a leader in employer-sponsored solutions that help meet the needs of organizations and their working families. Headquartered in Novi, Michigan, Learning Care Group provides early education and care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years through 11 unique brands. With more than 50 years of experience in inspiring children to love learning, it operates more than 1,070 schools across 39 states and supports child development through a comprehensive, research-based curriculum backed by a safe, nurturing and fun school environment. Learning Care Group, which was named one of America's 2024 Greatest Workplaces for Diversity by Newsweek, is committed to exceeding its partners’ expectations, transforming the child care industry and enhancing the way children learn every day. For more information, please visit www.learningcaregroup.com.
Media Contact:
Courtney McKenzie
Learning Care Group
248-392-2039
courtney.mckenzie@learningcaregroup.com
