On behalf of Simon Fraser University and the SFU Childcare Society, we would like to congratulate Pat Frouws for being award the prestigious Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education.

We are extremely proud of Pat's accomplishments. She was recognized for her professionalism, vision, and strong values that positively impact the early development and socialization of our children and at helping build the foundation that our children need to make the best possible start in life.

The Prime Minister's Awards program is the highest national award for K-12 teachers and early childhood educators in Canada. It honours the tremendous contribution outstanding educators have made to the children and students they teach, as well as their colleagues, their schools and centres and communitites. They represent the "best of the best" in Canadian education.

This award is the second major award for the SFU Childcare Society in recent months. In May, the Centre was the recipient of the British Columbia 2012 Child Care Legacy Award specifically for the Kahpoo Infant program.

This recognition speaks equally to Pat's leadership and to the vital team surrounding her moving the SFU Childcare Society forward in to a commanding position in early childhood development.

We are very fortunate and thankful for the highly-trained and passionate staff we have educating and caring for our children.

More information about the Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education can be found here.