Congratulations to Elise Krebaum of Central Christian Preschool and Child Care on being named January’s Provider of the Month by the Reno County Child Care Task Force! Elise’s passion for early childhood education and dedication to providing quality care shines through in everything she does, making her a well-deserving honoree for this recognition.
Having worked in childcare since 2013, Elise’s journey in the field began right after high school. As a student pursuing a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, she found that working in an after-school program allowed her to apply her studies while engaging with children. "Interacting with the kids every afternoon was the best part of my day," Elise recalls, noting how fulfilling it was to see the children's excitement and joy in learning.
One of the most rewarding aspects of her work is the enthusiasm of the toddlers in her care. "I love how excited toddlers get about even the simplest activities," Elise shares. "It helps me appreciate the learning process even more. Every little step of growth feels like a big accomplishment, and their excitement is contagious." This joy is reflected in her approach to teaching, where she emphasizes the importance of seeing the world through the eyes of a child, and getting excited about the little things they discover.
Elise’s commitment to her work extends beyond the classroom. She values the relationships she builds with the families of the children she cares for, collaborating with them to celebrate each child’s progress. "I really enjoy working with the families," she says. "We work together to support their child’s learning journey, and it’s such a rewarding experience to be a part of their growth."
Of course, working with young children comes with its sweet and funny moments. "My heart melts every time a toddler learns how to say my name," she admits, highlighting the special connections that make her job so fulfilling.
As a longtime childcare professional, Elise is keenly aware of the challenges the industry faces, especially the childcare provider shortage in Reno County. She sees the Reno County Child Care Task Force as a vital resource in addressing this issue. “I hope that the compassion of the community combined with the efforts of the Reno County Child Care Task Force will create more possibilities for families to get quality care for their children.”
Once again, congratulations to Elise Krebaum for being named January’s Provider of the Month! Her dedication to early childhood education, the families she serves, and the Reno County community is truly inspiring.
Know an exceptional childcare provider? Be sure to nominate them!