Two exceptional early educators have been recognized by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) for outstanding service to children and families in Watts and Boyle Heights. 

“It is an honor to present the 12th annual Golden Apple Awards to Sandra Capetillo and Edith Kotey,” said Dr. Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools. “Children develop so much in the first five years. When passionate, dedicated educators like Sandra and Edith spark their curiosity, they launch a lifelong journey of joyful learning.”

Sandra Capetillo, an infant and toddler home visitor at Children’s Institute in Watts, was acknowledged for excelling at transforming ordinary moments into rich learning opportunities with warmth, humor and genuine care. In the home-based Early Head Start program, Capetillo visits enrolled families weekly to mentor parents and caregivers as their children’s first and best teachers. The socialization activities she hosts were celebrated as welcoming spaces where children thrive through play and caregivers feel supported and included.

Edith Kotey teaches preschool for the Foundation for Early Childhood Education at the Estrada Courts public housing community in Boyle Heights. Kotey’s gardening program was cited as one example of her vibrant, innovative teaching practices that encourage curiosity, exploration and creativity. Through hands-on planting, watering and harvesting, her students develop critical thinking, responsibility and appreciation for nature, while their families experience a sense of community and pride in their children’s accomplishments.

“In times of change and uncertainty, steady care from compassionate educators provides young children the stability and freedom to explore and learn as their minds are developing most rapidly,” noted Luis Bautista, LACOE Head Start and Early Learning Division Executive Director. “The work that Sandra, Edith and all of our educators do makes a difference each day and sets the foundation for a more hopeful future ahead.”

Capetillo and Cotey were presented with the 12th annual Golden Apple Awards during the L.A. County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Each teacher was awarded $500 worth of classroom supplies, while Lakeshore Learning also presented gift baskets. Both Children’s Institute and Foundation for Early Childhood Education contract with LACOE as a Head Start provider, and each has been accredited by the National Head Start Association as a Program of Excellence. 

About the Golden Apple Award

LACOE launched the Golden Apple Awards in 2015 to recognize Head Start Preschool and Early Head Start educators for outstanding service to our community’s youngest learners and their families. A panel of child development and education experts selects two educators each year based on their record of implementing curriculum, providing exemplary adult-child interactions, demonstrating creativity in the classroom and continuously improving practices to be a model for others.