DeKALB – In 1989, 4-C: Community Coordinated Child Care established the Friend of the Child Award to recognize the outstanding efforts of individuals and organizations in its six-county area (DeKalb, Ogle, Lee, Carroll, Whiteside and McHenry) who have made a difference in the lives of young children.

The public is invited to submit nominations for the 4-C Friend of the Child Award. The nominee must live within 4-C’s six-county service delivery area.

The public also is invited to submit nominations for the Marian Baker Award for Excellence in Child Care in memory of longtime friend and board member Marian Baker. The nominee must work in an early childhood education program, including child care centers and family day care homes, within the counties of DeKalb, Ogle, Lee, Carroll, Whiteside or McHenry. The recipient will receive a $250 stipend.