ARCOLA — When the Â鶹ÊÓƵeast Women of Distinction Award nominations were opened up this year, Stephanie Dayman knew exactly who she wanted to nominate.
Dayman is a board member of the Arcola Daycare Arcola and her children have attended the facility. She submitted the necessary forms for Maribel Cabezudo for the TS&M Supply Outstanding Contribution to the Workplace Award.
Since Cabezudo took on the new position of director last year, Dayman feels that the work environment has been much better for the children and staff.
Cabezudo has been with the daycare for 10 years, first as a full-time employee, then a supervisor and now the director.
Dayman said that monthly staff meetings are held, which is something that did not occur before.
At these meetings, staff members have the opportunity to speak without the children around, and can also talk about upcoming events, learning opportunities and excursions outside of the daycare.
Cabezudo has her Level 3 in early childhood education (ECE) and is always looking to better herself with other courses. When a new one comes up, Cabezudo approaches the board of directors to get permission to take them.
She has built relationships with local and area businesses by having the children visit local nursing homes to play games or do art with the residents.
Story time at the library is a hit with her, and the children love to go, but the kids also go to the school and buddy up with a reading partner.
When Dayman nominated Cabezudo, she needed three letters from others who knew the recipient well.
Christie Hislop and Alyana Paige were asked to write a letter, and they were happy and honoured to do so.
Hislop has known Cabezudo for six years, three as the secretary of the board and three more as the chairwoman. She said Cabezudo has proven to be the unwavering fountain of the daycare, and regardless of the challenges she faces, she is the one constant to rely on.
“She always comes to the daycare with a smile on her face and she has an uplifting attitude that sets the tone for families and staff,” said Hislop.
“Maribel’s dedication goes far above expectations to ensure a nurturing environment,” Hislop added.
Also in her letter, Hislop said that Cabezudo’s professionalism in her work is amazing, and she fosters strong relationships with the parents, staff, children and the board.
“This daycare would not be where it is today without her leadership and passion,” said Hislop.
Vice-president of the Arcola Daycare Alyssa Hislop was another person who sent in a letter of recommendation for Cabezudo.
She also strongly suggested that Cabezudo has been a huge part of the daycare's success and her commitment to the daycare well exceeded any expectations.
Cabezudo is from Peru, where she graduated from college and became a teacher.
She immigrated to Canada in 2009 and lived in Vancouver until 2012. Then she moved to Saskatchewan with her now-husband Dave McGregor who wanted to gain work in the oil and gas industry.
Cabezudo started working at the Arcola Daycare on Sept. 1, 2015, and has loved every minute of it.
They have two children, Makayla and Maverick, who attend the Arcola School.
“I really am passionate about what I do, and it is important to impact the lives of little ones with a positive nature, as it is something they will always remember,” said Cabezudo.
Cabezudo became emotional when she spoke about those who sent in letters and the kind words they had to say.
“With being nominated, I feel I have already won,” said Cabezudo. “I feel very honoured to be recognized in this way.”
The award was handed out at a luncheon on May 2, with Estevan teacher Angela Smeltzer winning the honour.
Dayman accompanied Cabezubo to the event to celebrate the women across the southeast.
“Cabezubo will always go above and beyond for the daycare and anyone in Arcola Knows just how much work she does,” said Dayman.
“Every parent, past and present appreciates Cabezubo and all the staff at the Arcola Daycare,” Dayman said.
Dayman said they will be celebrating Early Year Educators in the near future just to show how proud they are of Cabezubo and the rest of the staff at the daycare.
