The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Council on Early Childhood (COEC) selected YSN Professor Angela Crowley, PhD, APRN, PNP-BC, FAAN, as the recipient of the 2015 Dr. Susan S. Aronson Early Education and Child Care Advocacy Award. Crowley will receive the award at the AAP National Conference and Exhibition in Washington, DC on October 25, 2015.
Established in 2004, the award recognizes a health professional who has made ongoing efforts to improve the health and safety of children in early education and childcare settings. It is awarded annually at the AAP National Conference.
“I am honored to be named the AAP recipient of the 2015 Dr. Susan S. Aronson Early Education and Child Care Advocacy Award,” said Crowley. “I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Aronson, other AAP and National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner colleagues, and advocates to promote the health and safety of children in early care and education settings. Although we are making some progress, there is much work to be done to ensure that every child has access to high quality, safe, and healthy care. I encourage all pediatricians, pediatric nurse practitioners, and advocates to join us in this effort.”
Crowley’s research, scholarship, national and state activities, and advocacy have been focused on health, safety, and development of children and their families in early care and educational settings. She is chair of the Child Development Technical Panel for Caring for Our Children 3rd edition and was a panel member for all 3 editions. Crowley cofounded the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Child Care Special Interest Group and is currently a member of the United States Department of Health and Human Services Maternal and Child Health Bureau Connecticut Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Team.
Dr. Susan Aronson began the childcare focus of her medical career in 1972 when, as a pediatrician at the Medical College of Pennsylvania, she founded an innovative childcare center. Quickly, Dr. Aronson saw the challenges providers face in keeping children and teachers in group care healthy and safe. In response to all she saw and experienced firsthand, she resolved to use her considerable talents to make childcare better. Dr. Aronson, pediatric childcare expert, is a lifetime member of the AAP and has made numerous contributions to the field of early education and childcare.
The AAP Council on Early Childhood provides a forum for pediatricians and other professionals interested in promoting the optimal health, development and well-being of all young children, in order to enhance learning and their life course trajectory. From policy to implementation, the COEC provides opportunities for members to increase their involvement in supporting optimal early childhood experiences and early adult-child nurturing relationships.