Eastern Connecticut State University’s Center for Early Childhood Education (CECE) was recently notified that they have been awarded a bronze “Telly” Award for their video, “Fun Mud Day,” featuring the work of Eastern faculty, staff and students. The video was submitted in the Health and Fitness category, and highlights an event that took place at the Child and Family Development Resource Center (CFDRC) this past May.

The event was organized by Kinesiology and Physical Education Professor Darren Robert and a group of his physical education students. It documents CFDRC toddlers, preschoolers and teachers attempting to maneuver a variety of wet and muddy obstacles designed to build strength, develop gross motor skills, and focus on competence and confidence.

The video features reflections on the event by CFDRC staff and children and Professor Robert and his students – Kinesiology and Physical Education majors Mike Colantonio ’16, Maggie Sayers ’16, Trafford Underwood ’16, Brendan Gillotti ’16 and Julia Sanzo ’16, an Early Childhood Education major.

A Telly Award is the premier award honoring excellence in film and video productions; groundbreaking web commercials, videos and films; and outstanding local, regional and cable television commercials and programs. It is considered to be one of the most sought after awards by industry leaders, and entrants range from local production companies and ad agencies to large international firms. This year’s award is the CECE’s fifth Telly. They also won awards for video projects submitted in 2010, 2011 and 2013.

Other contributors to the video’s success include CECE Videographer Sean Leser ’13 who wrote the script and edited the video, as well as CECE Media Production Specialist Ken Measimer and Communication major Nicole Ricard ’16.

“The purpose of the event is to push the children beyond their limits of comfort. With technology and sedentary living so prevalent, chances to get dirty aren’t as common,” said Professor Robert. “Our teacher candidates and the CECE teachers were great play partners who motivated the children to experience an ‘old-fashioned’ day of playing in the mud. We can’t wait to do it again this year!”

“It is an honor for all involved to be recognized for their contributions to the video through a Telly Award. This project is a wonderful example of the collaboration between the teachers and staff at the CFDRC, CECE, faculty, Eastern students and the University at large,” said CFDRC Director Niloufar Rezai. “I am thrilled that the children in the childcare center have opportunities to learn and grow just as Eastern students have opportunities for experiential learning. It’s a win-win for all!”

The video can be viewed at http://www.easternct.edu/cece/fun-mud-day/.