
Lori Hodson, owner of Little Hands Big Plans Daycare in Hutchinson, has been named the Reno County Child Care Task Force Provider of the Month for February! What began as a smart way to be able to stay home with her own children while earning an income has grown into a 36-year career.
“I look forward to my job every day! My house is my daycare kids’ second home. These kids are family to each other during the week!”
Lori’s loving care has definitely made an impact on the families she serves, as is evident in her nomination letter from a parent: “Mrs. Lori is the BEST daycare provider we could ask for. My daughter absolutely loves going to Mrs. Lori. Lori loves her daycare children like her own. They do crafts, have play time, have the best structured circle time. My daughter will sing songs at home that she has learned from Mrs. Lori. Mrs. Lori worked with us on potty training, which made it such an easy process. Mrs. Lori is fun, but also makes sure the kids know the rules and takes wonderful care of the kiddos. We trust Mrs. Lori 1,000% with our daughter!! We have been so blessed to have Mrs. Lori as our daycare provider and are so thankful for all the love and care she has provided.”
Even though Lori has made a long career from childcare, it often feels like she’s not working at all. Her daycare kids agree!
“My kids ask me pretty often why I don't work, which is pretty funny to me. But I know it is so hard for parents to go to work and leave their child in the hands of a stranger. Being a childcare home provider is not an easy job even though it has the most wonderful rewarding moments! Kids need to be raised in a loving, nurturing, fun environment whether it is at home or at daycare. The early years of a child will mold their future.”
Lori is grateful that the Reno County Child Care Task Force has been able to raise awareness about the importance of childcare and offers resources such as training and retention grants to providers.
“I think a lot of daycare providers feel like what they do matters now. Thank you Task Force for all you are doing! Being a childcare provider is not for the faint at heart! Days are long, time off is rare, exhaustion is inevitable. If that doesn't scare you then you might just be able to make a real difference in the life of another human, whether it be a parent or a child.”
Thank you, Lori, for all you’ve done to provide great childcare for so many families in Reno
County!
Know an exceptional childcare provider? Be sure to nominate them!
Comments