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Val Donato Award

Because of parent educator Val Donato’s unique contributions to the Preschool Cooperative Program, the North Seattle College Health and Human Services Division created an award in her name in September 2007. The award, administered by the college's Education Fund, recognizes outstanding parent education faculty members who embody the ideals represented by Val and by the North Seattle College Parent Education program.

Val Donato's Contributions

Val Donato, who died on April 21, 2013, was a tireless early childhood educator, remembered with praise and appreciation by colleagues, parents and teachers all over the state. She served countless families and teachers, over many years, with her wisdom, energy and dedication to the field.

Val graduated from Queens College in New York City with a BA in education. Arriving in Seattle in 1970, she enrolled in Parent Education/Child Study classes at North Seattle Community College and became active in the leadership of the classes, as a parent coordinator, treasurer and Advisory Council representative. She began teaching classes part-time in 1974. In 1997 she earned a master’s in human development with an emphasis on leadership in education.

When Val first participated in the program, only families with children aged three to five years were served. Val expanded the range to include infants through five-year-olds. At various times over the years,  she taught every class offered by the program.

Val was the  Parent Education program coordinator for many years and a full-time instructor. In her spare time she loved to read fiction, garden, and be a grandparent to two wonderful grandchildren.

How Funds Are Awarded

Depending on available funding, the annual Val Donato Award consists of one or more $500 stipends to be used for professional development to improve the Parent Education program. A committee including the dean of Health and Human Services, an Education Fund representative, Parent Advisory Council representatives, and Parent Education faculty selects award recipients. 

How to Give 

Contributions to the Val Donato Fund are 100 percent tax deductible. For further details or to make a donation, please contact the Education Fund.