SYCAMORE – The director of a Sycamore church preschool was honored for a program she built on a strong belief in the value of play time.

In 1989, 4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care established the Friend of the Child Award to recognize the outstanding efforts of individuals and organizations that have truly made a difference in the lives of young children.

The 2012 recipient is Jan Scheffers, director of Federated Church Preschool in Sycamore. In presenting the award, 4-C executive director Micki Chulick lauded Scheffers’ dedication and commitment to early learning.