Ruth Segura, our Ninth Annual June Handler Awardee, arrived in NJ with her father at the age of 17. Bringing her from her home in Peru, this big adventure meant leaving behind those she was attached to, including her extended family and all the familiar things she loves. Remembering her own longing for home, Ruth built her career around caring for young children whose own worlds have changed through immigration.

Ruth is this year’s recipient of the Coalition of Infant/Toddler Educators (CITE) Ninth Annual June Handler Award, in honor of the organization’s co-founder, June Moss Handler. She is one of the 172 Credential earners statewide.

This $1,000 award acknowledges Ruth’s dedication to educating infants and toddlers in care outside their homes by relying on the practices of infant mental health promoted in the New Jersey Infant/Toddler Credential.

Building trust is the key work of infants and toddlers for them to build healthy relationship and become successful learners.  The New Jersey Infant/Toddler Credential was created with statewide collaboration to offer the specific professional development for infant and toddler caregivers, especially those who have earned their CDA.  Acquiring this credential requires participation in two college credit bearing courses which are currently offered remotely. Funding for this coursework is available for those who qualify. To learn more, contact credential@njcite.org.