Love to Learn Playschool

Our Teachers

I grew up here in Broken Bow, with both of my parents and two younger sisters. My first babysitting job at age 9 (yes, you read that right, we did things differently back in then). I worked for several families growing up, many of the kids I watched now have children of their own (that is still a little surreal for me). After graduating High School, I moved to Kearney where I attended Kearney State College (that probably gives my age away). After a year and a half, I quit college (yes, hindsight is 20/20). I had various jobs after that. I work as a Nanny for triplets (yes, THREE babies) for two years. That job taught me to multitask, do laundry and cook meals with three, one-year olds running around, and not to use the word “MINE”. It also made me realize I really loved being with children. Since then I have had various jobs. I have worked in large and small childcare centers, preschools; worked as a telemarketer, video store clerk, sold auto parts, and hardware manager in a farm and home store.

In August of 2005 I took a gamble and opened Love & Learn Childcare. I started out as a Family Childcare Home I with six children. In 2010 I increased my enrollment and re-licensed as a Family Childcare Home II. That year was a big change because it is also the year, I married my husband Andrew (Andy). He works at Palmer Monument, sometimes he helps me out with the children, and still manages to find the time to make some very creative things out of clay. When I married Andy, I became the stepmother to two very smart and talented children, Luke and Delaney, who are now in college. They gave me a new perspective of life, one as a parent.

August of 2012 proved to be a life altering as well. I started back to college after being gone almost 2 decades (that sounded shorter than 20 years). I completed my Associate of Arts degree May of 2016, and also graduated with a diploma in Early Childhood Education. I graduated in July of 2020 with my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Family Advocacy at UNK.

It took me 15 years to decide what I wanted to be when I grew up. I get to sing songs and dance with future performers, listen to music created by future musicians, paint alongside budding artists. I get to build skyscrapers with future architects, fly with superheroes, and rescue princesses. There isn’t anything I would change (well…maybe diapers).

Heather

++Degrees, Awards, and Memberships++

Member of the NFCCA (Nebraska Family Child Care Association)

Member of the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children)

2012 Healthy Child Care Recognition Award

2013 Environmental Educator Recognition Award

2016 Associate of Arts Degree, MPCC

2016 Diploma Early Childhood Education, MPCC

2016 Rated as a Step 2 in Nebraska Step Up to Quality

2018 Rated as a Step 4 in Nebraska Step Up to Quality

2019 T.E.A.C.H. and Childcare WAGE$ Advising Broad

2020 Bachelor of Science Early Childhood and Family Advocacy, UNK

2021-2022 First Five Nebraska Policy Leadership Academy

2024-present RESPECT Steering Committee 2024 Achieved Step Five in Step UP to Quality

2024-present working toward Master’s in Early Childhood Family Advocacy, Wayne State College

Philosophy

I believe children are natural learners and it is my job as a childcare provider to help nurture their minds and bodies. I believe children need a safe, diverse, and stimulating environment to thrive. It is my goal as a childcare provider to encourage physical, emotional, and cognitive growth for children of all ages. I respect all children and their individuality and teach them to respect others.

I have created an environment where all ages of children can play together, in a way older child can be peer models for younger children. Infants and Toddlers have space to develop physically and emotionally. Preschool age and well as older school age children have space where they can accomplish developmentally appropriate activities without interference from younger children. There are times during the day for guided, structural activates, as well as plenty of time for free play. I believe developing children’s literacy skills starting at birth is essential for their success in school and later in life. The vocabulary I use with children is rich and extensive. I feel children should be read to everyday and encouraged to share their thoughts and feeling about their daily activities. I have wide range of toys available and accessible for the children at all times.

My teaching style can best be described as play based with structured open-ended exploration. I start with a learning goal in mind, but let the children guide the discovery. I believe children learn more when they come to a conclusion on their own rather being told “this is the answer”. I want children to learn something new every day, and I want children to teach me something new every day.

The qualities I have as a provider are patience, combined with compassion and integrity. I am respectful of children and their uniqueness, and I model the behavior I would like the children to have. As an educator I am fearless and opened minded to new experiences with children. I am unwavering in my belief of children and ready to be a champion for a child when they need one.

Each child I care for adds something special to my life. I hope I do the same for each family!

Check out our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/letthemlearnthroughplay

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About our program

Mixed ages play together and learn from each other

Uses Gee Whiz and Creative Curriculum for Family Child Care

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Admissions

Join the Love to Learn Playschool community in four easy steps:

1. Explore our website

We’ve provided information about our philosophies and offerings to help you decide if our program may be right for your family.

2. Submit an Enrollment Application

If you would like to enroll, please submit an application at www.wonderschool.com/love-learn-childcare-6155/apply for our staff to review.

3. Enroll

After reviewing your application, we’ll send an enrollment invitation if we have space for your family. Upon accepting your invitation fill out enrollment documents and review our Parent Handbook.

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