Joe Sam Queen with Dr. Joan Conway, Paige Zeigler, Caroline Rodier,

                     Gov. Jim Hunt, Courtney Hollifield, Kim Welborn, Becky MacKinnon,

                     and Peggy Freeman.

McDowell Partnership for Children Receives Award

The McDowell County Partnership for Children & Families was presented with a North Carolina Performance-Based Incentive System (PBIS) award by the North Carolina Partnership for Children during a Celebration Dinner held at the National Smart Start Conference in Greensboro on May 10, 2007. Former Governor Jim Hunt was the keynote speaker for the event. 

The award and check for $2,000 was given to the McDowell County Partnership in recognition of achieving the highest standards in the area of Early Care & Education Placements in McDowell County. In McDowell County, 80% of children enrolled in regulated child care are in 4- and 5-star care compared to the state average of 56%. In order to qualify for the award, the local Partnership must have no audit findings.

The Performance-Based Incentive System is an annual performance evaluation that was implemented by the North Carolina Partnership for Children in 2001. The PBIS has identified specific criteria and has established a “minimum” and “high performing” standard for each criteria. Partnerships can qualify for PBIS Incentive Awards in two categories: Health or Early Childhood Care – Child Placements.  The McDowell Partnership is a three-time recipient of this award. Funding for this award is provided by AT&T.