Bothell Bears Daycare became a nationally accredited family child-care home in August and owner Pamela Keeler received her award Dec. 9.

“It really makes a difference for kids and parents because it recognizes that this provider has achieved the highest standards in quality care and education on a national level,” said Adrienne Wingo, national accreditation specialist from Child Care Resources.

At present there are 30 family child-care homes in state of Washington, with 15 in King County. Keeler has been caring for local children in Bothell and surrounding areas for the past 26 years and has been providing child care for the past 35 years. In 2009, she was recognized as one of the top six exceptional child-care providers in the state of Washington.

“I feel my child care is a home away from home. It shows in the children’s faces as they arrive in the morning to greet their friends and teachers.  This rich, nurturing environment is full of laughter and squeals while learning valuable new skills daily. Their social, physical, cognitive development, as well as their health and safety, are the utmost importance to us. We know the things we teach not only prepare them for kindergarten, but impacts their future. We take pride in what we do and I believe it shows,” Keeler added.