Provider of the Month: Bonnie Bailey

Long-Time Central Christian Preschool & Child Care Teacher Continues Legacy in New Building  

With a handful of children at home (literally, she has five), it’s no surprise that Bonnie Bailey is great with kids.    

"At the time I applied, I knew I enjoyed children but wasn’t aware how well the job would fit me. I’m glad to have a career in childcare!”    

Known as “Mrs. Bailey” to the hundreds of kids she’s cared for at Central Christian Preschool & Child Care over the past 10 and a half years, her bright smile and unwavering patience are a welcome respite for parents who need dependable, caring childcare and preschool.    

Nominator Sharon Kauffman, Director of Central Christian Preschool & Child Care, knows what a wonderful asset she is to the team:  

"She is a very caring and loving teacher and provides a wonderful environment for learning. Mrs. Bailey is loved by her students, their parents, and her fellow teachers as well. We appreciate her dedication and hard work!"  

For Bonnie, she knows that her job involves far more than “babysitting.” It’s educating and instilling values in a safe, development-friendly environment.   

“We spent several days on the same Bible stories, and a parent came to me excited that their children came home and shared with them the Christmas story. I love that they really do listen and go home and share what they have learned!” said Bonnie. “We all need support in training our children, we want to build strong communities, and caring for children is a big part of building better communities.”   

Bonnie also acknowledges that childcare providers themselves are a community and have benefited from the support of the Reno County Child Care Task Force.   

“The task force helps with training opportunities for learning new ideas to help train children, and it helps provide financial support, like this new building we get to work in! It’s wonderful.”   

Accelerator Grant Funds from the Reno County Child Care Task Force were integral in creating the brand-new Jay and Connie Schrock Early Education School at Central Christian. Originally a fire station that was purchased by the school in 2011 (and had served various other purposes), it was recently expanded and re-imagined to serve infants through school-age children, and now includes six classrooms, a fully equipped kitchen for meals and snacks, ADA-compliant restrooms and toilet-training toddler friendly restrooms, and a large indoor play area in the former truck bay area.   

Bonnie’s advice for those considering a career in childcare is as simple and profound as the care she provides for kids every day: “Love the children.”   

Know a childcare provider worthy of this award? We bet you do! Nominate them today!  

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