Ana I. Berdecia, senior fellow with The John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy and director of the Center for the Positive Development of Urban Children at Thomas Edison State University.
Ana I. Berdecia, of Ewing, N.J., senior fellow with The John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy and director of the Center for the Positive Development of Urban Children at Thomas Edison State University, was honored by Children’s Futures with its 2016 Guiding Light Award at the Wyndham Garden Hotel on Dec. 11.
Children’s Futures has been working to improve the health and development outcomes for children in Mercer County since 2001. Through parental education, nurse home visits, case management and a host of other family support services, Children’s Futures aims to prevent many of the issues that otherwise compromise the health and well-being of central New Jersey’s most vulnerable residents.
In its announcement, Children’s Futures noted that Berdecia was being recognized for her commitment to helping children, early in life, develop a foundation of academic excellence and achievement.
“I am humbled by Children's Futures selection of me to receive the Guiding Light Award for my commitment to early childhood development and education,” Berdecia said. “The early years are critical and incredible years of growth for young children. It's a joy to do my part to assist early childhood professionals to understand their important role as facilitators of learning that help children reach their potential.”
Berdecia, who has worked at Thomas Edison State University for 12 years, is charged with bridging the voices of teachers, practitioners, parent/guardians and the larger community to policy initiatives in New Jersey that impact the health, well-being and educational outcomes of children and families. Berdecia designed the first New Jersey Cultural Competency and English Language Learners Summer Institute and Mentoring Program, and works to engage municipals and business leaders to increase support and understanding about the importance of early childhood investments.
Berdecia earned her AA degree at Mercer County Community College and both her BA in sociology with a minor in women studies and Master of Education with a specialization in early childhood from The University of New Jersey. She also holds a New Jersey Standard Teaching Certificate in preschool through 3rd grade. Berdecia completed a post-graduate certificate in Infant Mental Health from the YCS Infant and Preschool Mental Health Institute and Seton Hall University, and became a certified coach and trainer through the John C. Maxwell Certification Program in 2013.
About The John S. Watson Institute For Public Policy
The John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy of Thomas Edison State University is a vital resource for New Jersey decision makers. The Institute’s practical, nonpartisan, hands-on approach supports informed public policy that links people to policy. The Institute addresses the state’s most critical issues through practical research, technical assistance and comprehensive public policy solutions that are supported by the resources of higher education in a manner that reflects the University’s tradition of innovation and excellence. For more information: call (609) 777-4351, ext. 4265; or write to: The John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy, Thomas Edison State University, 101 W. State St., Trenton NJ 08608-1176.
Toni M. Terry, BA