Marisela Nava, director of Texas Southmost College’s Raul J. Guerra Early Childhood Center, was recently appointed to the Texas Early Learning Council by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The honor comes after 34 years of service to the center, where Nava began as a student worker in fall of 1988.
“I know this a very selective process and it was only a dream for me before,” Nava said. “I always thought; ‘How lucky are these people to be there and what does it take?’ I’m very fortunate that I’ve been considered and now selected to be a part of this group.”
Nava’s decades of dedication paid off when she received the call to serve and be a part of the group that advises decision-makers regarding early education.
“I’m proud to represent our South Texas early childhood community but most importantly our Texas Southmost College campus,” Nava said. “What really has contributed to our success and this nomination is the support of our TSC Board of Trustees members and administration. They share the passion for educating very young children and understand the importance of it. That has made a very big difference in what we do at the center with our program.”
Representing A Region
TSC Board of Trustees chairwoman Adela Garza said nominating Nava was an easy choice.
“Ms. Nava exemplifies the community aspect of Texas Southmost College,” Garza said. “We serve the community at all ages and the care that these young children get is second to none. Nava deserves to be recognized and heard at the state level because I believe all of Texas can learn from her knowledge and passion that she shows to our little Scorpions. We are proud of her and excited to see what she can bring to this council.”
According to the office of The Texas Governor website, the council serves as the state’s advisory body as required by the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007. In 2019, the council led a statewide birth-five needs assessment and developed the Early Learning Strategic Plan as part of Texas’ Preschool Development Grant project.
“I am incredibly humbled. Working with very young children is not only a huge responsibility but you have to have the heart for what you do,” Nava said. “Representing the whole region of South Texas is just the very beginning of good things to come for our community.”
Nava is also a vice president of the Southmost Association for the Education of Young Children Chapter. Her memberships include those in the National Coalition for Campus Children’s Centers, the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children.
Nava is in the process of pursuing a Master of Education in Early Childhood degree.
About TSC’s Child Care Center
TSC’s Child Care Center was established in the 1970s with a dual purpose. The center takes care of young children and while also allowing future childcare practitioners a chance to work in an early care setting.
Since the center serves as a teaching and training laboratory for students in the Child Development and Early Childhood Program as well other programs within the division, students are able to utilize the laboratories to observe and participate in developmentally age-appropriate activities.
The lab school operates year-round and provides settings for co-ops, internships, and clinical opportunities and serves as a resource and training site for Early Childhood Programs in the region.