The AECEA Early Childhood Educator Award of Recognition shines a light on an early childhood educator making outstanding contributions within Alberta’s early learning and child care community.
The AECEA Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Mildred Buton is the 2025 award recipient.
Mildred Buton was nominated twice by different dayhome parents Jeremia G. and Margie R. This is what Jeremia and Margie had to say about Mildred.
"The first time I took my little one to Mildred’s day home, I was anxious and full of worry. Can Mildred be trusted to nurture my child? Will my little one adjust to a different environment? When I dropped my daughter, Mildred greet us at the door with a heartwarming smile and friendly demeanor. I looked at my daughter and felt relief that she’ll be in good hands.
For almost two years that my daughter has been going to Mildred’s day home, I see how she takes care and loves not only my little one but as well as the other children in her care. My daughter is learning a lot from her day home that she looks forward on being dropped every morning. Even during bedtime, my daughter will say, “Mommy, I will get up early in the morning and go to Auntie Mildred. Auntie Mildred has lots of activities”. To see my daughter full of energy and happiness going to dayhome makes me feel completely at peace. I’ve seen positive changes to my child’s behaviour that even me as a mother gets frustrated and exhausted on how to deal with it.
It's been really a great journey at Mildred’s lovely dayhome. My daughter who has been possessive and struggling to share, now knows how to give and take turns. She will tell me, “Mommy, I know how to share, Auntie Mildred taught me”. Now, I don’t worry if family friends visit us with their young ones. Mildred meets every child at the door with cheerful presence, offering a hug or whispering something to make them smile. Even the shyest toddler, clinging to his parents skips through the door and are excited to mingle and play with other children. Some afternoons, her backyard transforms into an adventure zone. Mildred doesn’t just supervise, she guides. I’ve seen her encourage a hesitant toddler at the bottom of the slide, not lifting them, but encouraging, “Your feet are strong. You can do it”. The moment that child scrambles up alone, Mildred’s cheer pushes them to try harder next time. She makes them believe in themselves.
What really gets me is how Mildred doesn’t just run a dayhome, she creates a whole little community. It’s more like every child’s second home. Base on my observation, every child in Mildred’s dayhome feels the sense of belongingness. The way children readily hug and smile at Mildred if they see her, and the way children interacts with each other. The children in her care are comfortable expressing what they feel and their needs. They don’t hesitate to ask her for help.
Passionate and compassionate, kind, patient, approachable, empathetic. These are the characteristics Mildred possesses that makes her an extraordinary educator and runs a successful dayhome. - Jeremia G."
"When it comes to selecting a childcare educator, my considerations are patience, skill, and a genuine concern for children. Upon meeting Mildred, it was noticeable that she embodies these qualities, particularly her approach and supportive manner towards newcomers and immigrants like myself. Her dedication to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and nurtured in a safe and healthy environment is truly commendable.
In her interactions with my child, Mildred's hands-on approach and regular communication provided me with a sense of comfort and reassurance. Her commitment to making sure that each individual under her care is not only content but also thriving is evident in the way she goes above and beyond to create a positive atmosphere.
What truly sets Mildred apart is her commitment to inclusivity. She has shown patience and compassion in understanding and meeting the unique needs of my son, who is on the spectrum. Her ability to care for him in a way that is both attentive and specialized speaks about her dedication and concern for the kids.
Mildred's work is driven by a profound desire to make a difference in the lives of the children she cares for. Her kindness, commitment, and genuine compassion are qualities that shine through in her approach to childcare, making her a truly exceptional educator with a deep sense of engagement to those under her care. - Margie R."
Thank you, Mildred, for all the work you do for children and families. By upholding a standard of professionalism in practice you help hold up the whole system of ELCC. Thank you and Congratulations!