Two Newton County child care professionals and businesses were honored at the annual Child Care Provider Appreciation Luncheon at Trumps in Athens on Saturday May 16.

Victoria Williams was honored for completing the Child Development Associate course this past year helping her to earn the CDA credential. This credential recognizes child care professionals who have completed a rigorous educational program that prepares them to provide quality care and learning experiences to children ages birth to five years. To earn this credential, the student must complete 120 hours of college-level training, receive on-site observation and assessment of their work with children, and be approved by the national Council for Professional Development.

Bertha Johnson received an award for having gone above and beyond state requirements by completing more than 15 hours of training during the past year. Johnson also received an award for achieving 100 percent compliance with state rules and regulations for her group day care home. She was also nominated as provider of the year.

The annual award luncheon is hosted by Child Care Resource and Referral of Northeast Georgia at Athens to bring recognition to child care teachers and directors for providing care and education for young children in northeast Georgia.

"Research has shown that provision of quality child care during the first five years is one of the smartest investments a community can make," said Jean Gowen, Director of the Child Care Resource and Referral agency. "Newton County can be proud of these child care professionals for their efforts to provide safe and nurturing educational environments for the children in their care," Gowen added.