UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- "Better Kid Care," a monthly satellite training series for child care providers produced by Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, was recognized by the American Distance Education Consortium (ADEC) at its recent annual meeting.

The series was honored in the category of "Outstanding Educational Programs," which recognizes "an individual, team or institution for innovation and excellence in the development and delivery of credit or noncredit programs with consideration given to both technological and pedagogical innovation," according to the award description.

The award was presented to James Van Horn, professor of rural sociology, the creator, executive producer and host for the series. Award winners were nominated by supervisors at their home institutions or by peers at their own and other institutions.

The "Better Kid Care" two-hour satellite workshops are part of a nationwide training program reaching an estimated 50,000 child care providers in all 67 Pennsylvania counties, as well as across the United States and Canada. The program, which is delivered in conjunction with Penn State Cooperative Extension family living agents, provides educational materials, learning experiences and satellite training workshops for child care providers, parents and employers.

ADEC is a non-profit distance education consortium of 50 state universities and land-grant colleges that provides high quality, economical distance education programs and service through the most advanced and most appropriate information technologies.

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Contacts: Gary Abdullah GXA2@PSU.EDU 814-863-2708 814-865-1068 fax