Provider of the Month: Brooke Koehn

Brooke Koehn has been named the Reno County Child Care Task Force Provider of the Month for April! Brooke’s path to becoming an exceptional childcare provider is deeply rooted in her lifelong passion for working with children, as well as her commitment to meeting the growing childcare needs in her community. 

"I really think childcare is so important. People don’t always recognize that childcare providers are teachers," said Brooke. "This is the most crucial stage of children’s lives. Before they even get into preschool, we’re laying the groundwork for their education, teaching them basic skills, and helping them with their needs." 

Brooke's journey into childcare started long before she became a professional. "I started off babysitting when I was younger, and that's when I really realized how much I loved working with kids," she recalled. "Throughout college, I worked at several daycare centers. After that, I took a brief detour from daycare to work in child welfare. But during the pandemic, when childcare services were particularly needed in Reno County, I knew it was time to return to it." 

In 2020 Brooke opened her own in-home daycare, offering a nurturing environment for children while helping meet the demands of working parents in Reno County. 

Brooke credits the Reno County Child Care Task Force for being instrumental in her success. "The Task Force has been such a huge help," she shared. "Specifically, the grants they've provided have allowed me to purchase new toys for the daycare, and we're planning to use the next round of funding for new playground equipment.”  

For Brooke, the most rewarding part of her job is the simple, yet meaningful moments she shares with the children in her care. "The best part is the hugs, the smiles, and the joy I get when they see me. It lets me know that I’m doing the right thing," she said. 

Brooke’s dedication has not gone unnoticed by the families she serves. Haley Smyres, who nominated Brooke for this honor, shared glowing praise. "Brooke is incredible with my daughter! She is so kind, caring, and truly cares about the kids she takes care of," Haley said. "Her patience is endless, and that's one of the things we love so much about her. She remains open to providing the best care so that parents can go to work with peace of mind. She is so deserving of this recognition!" 

Despite the joys of her work, Brooke is quick to acknowledge that childcare is not an easy job. "It’s definitely not for everyone. You need to love kids and have a lot of patience," she said. "There are hard days, but that’s true in any job. The key is knowing that you're making a difference, and for me, that makes it all worthwhile." 

Brooke’s unwavering dedication to her community and her nurturing care for the children in her daycare exemplify the qualities that make her a deserving recipient of this award. For anyone considering a career in childcare, Brooke has this piece of advice: "If you have the love for kids and the patience to go with it, it’s an incredibly rewarding job." 

Know an exceptional childcare provider? Be sure to nominate them!  

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