MORROW RECEIVES CHRISTMAS INCENTIVE

December 24, 2003

DECEMBER 24, 2003 By Marie Nesmith 
Bartow Neighbor News Editor

Christmas arrived early, in the form of $1,000, for Michael Morrow, the lead pre-kindergarten teacher at Just Kids Child Care Center in Adairsville.

As a recipient of Smart Start Georgia's INCENTIVE$ program, Morrow is thankful for the tangible recognition of his efforts.

"It makes you feel that someone appreciates what you do," he said. "None of us do this [teach] for the money. It is an incentive to keep doing what we are doing." 

Sharen Hausmann, director of Smart Start Georgia, said INCENTIVE$ "rewards teachers for increasing their education and remaining at their current setting."

"We want to provide a consistent commitment to high quality care for children's growth through [age] 5. Funding for child-care programs is important in the social and physical development of a young child. Hopefully, the reward will decrease turnover."

Like Ms. Hausmann, Morrow said he believes the education children receive in pre-kindergarten is critical to their advancement.

"Pre-K is the first step in the process of education," said Morrow, a 1993 graduate of Adairsville High. "It is important for me to be there for them and to watch them grow. I believe if their first step is a positive one, then the last one will be positive."

This quarter, Smart Start Georgia awarded $3,725 to Morrow and six other instructors in Bartow County.

Incentives are granted twice a year to teachers, assistant teachers and directors who work at accredited centers or homes.

Some of the requirements include working with children under age 5 for at least 20 hours a week and earning less than $14.45 an hour. 
Applications are available at Smart Start Georgia's Web site, www.smartstartga.org. 

â?? This article posted with permission from the Bartow Neighbor.