Bea Vargas, who has served as the Inclusive Early Learning Center (IELC) Director, announced on Tuesday, 9/29/2020 that she will retire after more than 20 years at the helm of the learning center.

Mrs. Vargas has been a strong champion for not only the IELC, but for PDN Children’s in general.

She was pivotal at the center obtaining the NAEYSC and Rising Star designations.

She came to the Paso del Norte Children’s Development Center from the YWCA in 2000 to direct the El Papalote Inclusive Child Development Center, now known as the IELC. 

Her achievements are numerous to mention, but highlights include: 

• Vice -Chair of the El Paso Childcare Coalition 

• Various leadership roles in the Paso del Norte Chapter of TXAEYC

• Various leadership roles in the state chapter of TXAEYC

• NAEYC

• Licensing Advisory Board 

Awards and honors include: 

• Elected by Gov. Anne Richards to represent El Paso at the Children Ready to Learn Conference.

• YWCA Leadership Award 04/1999

• Nominated TXAEYC Administrator of the Year 2018

• The Administrator of the Year 2018 Award Paso del Norte Chapter of TXAEYC

Her absence will be felt and very much missed. She has left a deep legacy that has maintained excellence in her work and has raised the bar of activity here at the center. 

She will be moving closer to her grandchildren, who are lucky to have her!

We’ll miss you Bea!