National Park College’s (NPC) LesLee Jones received the Kathy Stegall Emerging Leader
Award October 25 at the Arkansas Early Childhood Association’s (AECA) 58th annual
conference in North Little Rock. Jones is a program coordinator for Child Care Aware
of West Central Arkansas (CCA WCA).
The award recognizes newer members of the organization who are making a significant
contribution to the field of early care and education or youth development in Arkansas
and have demonstrated the potential for leadership and continuing service to the organization
and to the field. Jones serves as president for the Hot Springs Early Childhood Association
(HSECA), an affiliate of AECA.
“LesLee is an asset to the Child Care Aware of West Central Arkansas team, bringing
experience, understanding and a very positive ‘I can do that’ attitude for success.
Her knowledge and understanding of child development, license requirements, Better
Beginnings and quality care of children is outstanding,” said Terri Helms, Program
Director.
As an early childhood professional, Jones has organized and presented trainings for
HSECA, First United Methodist Child Development Center and CCA WCA. She has presented
at the Arkansas STEM Summit, CCA WCA STEAM Conference and volunteered at AECA conferences.
As a Professional Development Registry (PDR) trainer and facilitator for early childhood
providers and prospective owner and operators of licensed facilities, Jones’ work
assures understanding of license expectations and quality care of children. She is
currently working to complete her Master’s degree in Early Childhood.
