Ruth Y. Goldway, Docia Zavitkovsky 2010
By the way, Docia Zavitkovsky (see the clip below) was one of the first people I met in 1976 when I was organizing my run for the state assembly. She was a wonderful fighter for what is right and had a significant national impact in the area of early childhood education. We've got lots more work to do to make our city and our country a better place. Here's a pause and a thank you to all those who went before us and those worked with us before we continue on in our own ways.
"Docia Zavitkovsky has passed away. Professor Zavitkovsky served as director of the school district's early childhood program for 39 years and was also the first full-time faculty member in Child Development at Santa Monica College. In her twenty years of service to the College, she was instrumental in the development of what is considered to be one of the best Early Childhood Education programs in California. Since her retirement in 1978, she has remained a valued resource not only to Santa Monica College and to the Santa Monica Child Care and Early Education Task Force but to child development and child care programs throughout the state and the nation. "
Docia was past president of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and served on the National Advisory Board for Early Childhood Today. She was a strong and influential leader in early childhood education and a beloved mentor and teacher for many people in our community. Our community's strong commitment to high quality early childhood education is, in part, her legacy.
Docia Zavitkovsky [1913-2009], Published in The Seattle Times, January 10 to January 11, 2010
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Docia Zavitkovsky [1913-2009] Beloved early childhood educator and leader for over 60 years, died peacefully on December 24, 2009 at the age of 96 [1913-2009]. For more than 30 years, Docia was Director of Children's Centers in Santa Monica, California. Under her leadership, the centers achieved national recognition for program excellence at the White House Conference on Children. She taught child development for many years at Santa Monica College, served as President of the National Association for the Education of Young Children from 1984-1986, and was a founding member of the Council for Professional Recognition which administers the Child Development Associate Credential. A tireless advocate for recognition of early childhood as the foundation for a rich and satisfying life, Docia continued her advocacy for children into her nineties as founding mother of Play Matters, a non-profit organization supporting programs in placing play at the heart of the early childhood curriculum. Docia received an honorary doctorate from Bank Street College of Education, was named Woman of the Year by the Santa Monica YWCA, received the CEASE Peace Award in 2008, and was honored by the California Association for the Education of Young Children in 2009 for her lifelong contributions to the field. Perhaps her greatest accomplishments, however, were the countless lives she touched as a mentor and friend. During the final weeks of her life Docia was lovingly cared for by her daughter Ann Zavitkovsky, Ann's partner, Parker Lindner, and a host of devoted friends. Memorial services will be January 15 at University House in Seattle, and on February 28, 2009 [2010] in Los Angeles. Memorial gifts may be made to Play Matters, Group Health Hospice, or Mercy Corps children's health kits.