Educare of Omaha, Inc. (www.educareomaha.org) is proud to announce that three outstanding individuals have been recognized with prestigious awards from the Nebraska Head Start Association (NeHSA). Executive Director Rafel O. Hart has been named Administrator of the Year, Lead Teacher Heather McLain has been honored as Teacher of the Year, and Tiffany Awortwi, a dedicated parent leader, has received the title of Family Leader of the Year.
These awards recognize excellence in leadership, teaching, and family engagement in Nebraska’s Head Start programs. NeHSA is committed to supporting high-quality early childhood education and advocating for children and families throughout the state.
With over 32 years of experience in early childhood education, Rafel O. Hart has served as Executive Director of Educare of Omaha, Inc. since 2017, bringing visionary leadership to the organization. Heather McLain, an early childhood educator for more than 11 years, has made a lasting impact in her role as Lead Teacher at the Early Learning Center at Skinner since 2022. Tiffany Awortwi, a devoted mother and advocate for early learning, plays an instrumental role in shaping policy and fostering family engagement at Educare Omaha at Kellom and beyond.
“Our entire organization is incredibly proud of Rafel, Heather, and Tiffany,” Jessie Rasmussen, Board President of Educare of Omaha, Inc. said. “Their dedication to high-quality early childhood education and family engagement truly embodies the mission of Head Start. This recognition is well deserved, and we look forward to seeing them compete at the next level.”
The three awardees will now advance to compete at the regionally, with winners to be announced in late April.
For more information about Educare of Omaha, Inc. and its impact on early childhood education, visit www.educareomaha.org.