NECC, in partnership with We Care for Kids, launched the Early Childhood Champion award to highlight the importance of the early childhood workforce. Beginning in October 2022, two providers were named the “Early Childhood Champion” of the month each month until September 2023.
Winners received a $1,000 gift and a plaque in honor of their commitment to excellence and service to their communities.
The early childhood workforce needs our support. Early learning professionals give families and communities access to a supportive environment for learning and growing. Yet, the child care profession is often overlooked when it comes to the much-needed resources and supports these essential educators deserve.
Nebraska needs more early educators, and the Early Childhood Champion campaign is just one way to support the early learning professionals all Nebraskans need to thrive.
Read about our Early Childhood Champions below!
Amanda is the owner of Mandy’s Munchkins Daycare in Columbus, NE. Before opening her in-home program in 2011, Amanda worked at a child care center for six years. She has over 18 years of experience in Early Childhood Education!
Because working with children has always come naturally to Amanda, she was confident that she wanted to pursue an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education after high school. Although child care has challenges, Amanda says it is a gratifying profession. “Being able to say that you helped children learn the fundamentals and work towards milestone developments is something to be proud of.”
Amanda is grateful to receive this award and thankful for a community supporting her. “I always say I feel like an extended family member to those in my program. Knowing that they care to take the time to nominate me is an amazing feeling. They see the work I do. I’m so grateful.”
Congratulations, Amanda!
“Miss Mandy is AMAZING! She is always engaging with the kids in new and fun ways. I love that she has themes in the playroom to keep the kids interested in new toys, and she educates them on the theme. Mandy is very involved in different trainings, such as Rooted in Relationships, and is very willing to learn and grow as a child care provider, which demonstrates to me she is willing to say things are not good enough and always is looking to learn. Mandy goes above and beyond for the families she cares for and loves the kiddos just as her own. I am so grateful my family found her, and we will never be leaving!”
Megan is a preschool teacher at Pacific Heights Early Childhood Center in Omaha, NE. Since graduating high school in 2013, she has been a child care provider. Over the course of the past decade, she has developed into several various roles. Megan began her career providing before and after-school care and then moved to work in a pre-K classroom. After wanting to explore more of the opportunities offered by her company, she became a lead toddler teacher. Since becoming a mom, she has worked as a preschool teacher!
Along with thriving as a preschool teacher, Megan is an exceptional role model. “I have always wanted to be a positive light in someone’s life, and I absolutely love that it’s with young children. Especially those who will be our future in this world! I love that they teach me just about as much as I teach them.”
Megan is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be celebrated in a career she has fallen in love with. “Being recognized for doing something good in this world means more than I can even put into words.”
Congratulations, Megan!
“Ms. Megan has been an exceptional caregiver to my children. She had my oldest daughter in her class seven years ago and has my youngest son in her class currently. Megan has always been someone that I can trust and communicate openly with. She is understanding and kind and supports my family’s beliefs and child-raising practices. Megan truly cares about the children in her classroom; she has genuine and meaningful conversations with my son and encourages him to be independent, curious, and kind. I know that she values his ideas when she shares stories and notes about his day and the quirky things that he does.”
Tasha is the owner of Brilliant Brains Learning Center in Omaha, NE. Her passion for helping children stems from growing up as an only child, and she has provided various forms of child care for over 24 years! Tasha’s career in child care began seven years ago, with her first five years as an in-home provider.
Tasha says winning this award is meaningful because being a child care provider has allowed her to give children quality experiences that encourage positive outcomes. She works hard to change each child’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. “I love and serve children from all walks of life, and I love to accommodate their various different needs.”
Since beginning her career in child care, Tasha has grown to recognize the importance of quality early childhood education. She is proud to give children opportunities that set them up for the rest of their lives. “I love that I get to help prepare children for early childhood, school and beyond!”
Congratulations, Tasha!
“Tasha McNeil is the director of the Brilliant Brains Learning Child Care Services, and she has been wearing many hats to meet the needs of her child care center. Tasha’s child care center has a 5-star review, and she takes time to organize team-building activities during a day off so that her staff feels appreciated. Her passion and dedication to children make her a great candidate for this award.”
Amber is the owner of Sprout Family-centered Childcare in Blair, NE. Her child care program has been providing in-home care for five years! Along with owning her child care program, Amber has worked in various roles involving child care, including center-based education.
Amber’s passion for early childhood development led to her becoming an in-home child care provider. She says this award and being recognized for her dedication is an honor. “I am so appreciative of my child care families and community for their positive support and continuous encouragement!”
The quality of early childhood education is one of Amber’s priorities, and she hopes her community will recognize the significance of early learning. “Child care as a whole is continuously improving. However, there is still a long way to go for society to understand and acknowledge just how important quality early child care is and how crucial quality child care providers are.”
Congratulations, Amber!
“Amber is an awesome child care provider who always strives for the best for the kids under her care. She has a bright, fun and inviting environment that immediately engages the kids and gets them interested in learning through play. She has daily activities and weekly themes planned for the children to help them learn about the world around them. Ambers uses a variety of techniques to keep the kids engaged in learning while having fun as well. Best of all, Ambers treats all of the children under her care as if they are family and one of her very own! She is awesome at her job and we are so thankful for her love, care and dedication to our children and her career.”
Ana was born in El Salvador, raised in Los Angeles, and is the first in her family to attend college. She graduated from California State University, Northridge in 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. She is the owner of Bella’s Daycare in Omaha, NE.
Ana began her career as a child care provider as a way to stay at home with her newborn daughter. As her baby grew, she recognized the need for social interactions and decided to open her own child care business. Ana says children make her life important, and she learns from them just as much as she teaches them. “Our children are the future of this world, but us providers pave the way for their future. Let us do whatever we can to support their dreams.”
Ana is honored and humbled to be named an Early Childhood Champion. “It means the world to me because I love what I do, and it feels amazing that someone sees my passion for children. I pour my heart out day in and day out.”
Congratulations, Ana!
“Mrs. Ana has been an awesome provider for my almost 2 year old. He has learned so much and I would say he is advanced for his age by the learning skills Ana teaches all the kids. She goes above and beyond making sure the kids are all taken care of and achieving the growing and learning skills the kids need to continue advancing in life. Bella’s has been the first daycare my little one has attended, you know you’ve picked the perfect one when your kid is always so happy at drop off and doesn’t want to leave when it’s pick up time!”
Christina is the owner of Breezy Hill Childcare in Falls City, NE. Like many others in her profession, Chris started her business as a method to stay at home with her daughter. She has since been a child care provider for more than 27 years. “As a young mother, I applied for a bank job and received the call that I had been hired; however, I just could not leave my baby.”
Chris has loved her journey to becoming a licensed Family Child Care Home. “Seeing the children grow and learn is what I love most!”
Winning this award has made Chris feel appreciated and recognized as a professional in her career. “It means I am doing what I am supposed to do and that I’m appreciated for it. I am so grateful I was chosen for this award! Thank you, thank you, thank you soooo very much!!”
Congratulations, Chris!
“Chris doesn’t just ‘watch’ my children for me. She loves them, she cares for them and she teaches them. This is very evident in the way my three children speak about their ‘Chrissy’! They are always excited to see her and usually don’t want to leave! I especially love watching Chris interact with my kids. She always speaks to them in such a calm and loving manner. I know how much a handful JUST my three can be and she has many more but always handles the kids with patience. I never worry when my kids are at daycare because I know that they are in the best hands. ”
Elysia Beck is the Director of Harrison Village Childcare in Omaha. She has an associate degree in Early Childhood Education and has worked in child care for over 15 years.
Growing up, Elysia knew that early childhood was her calling. “I grew up babysitting for families in my hometown and knew that being a child care provider was what I was meant to do! I loved caring for them and watching them learn and grow over the years.”
Elysia is honored to be named an Early Childhood Champion. “It means the world! I absolutely love my job and the fact that someone sees how much love I pour into the children every day and went out of their way to nominate me for this award means the world.”
Congratulations, Elysia!
“I’m nominating Elysia Beck for our Child Care Champion! I wish I could nominate every teacher at Harrison Village Childcare, but especially Elysia who is their fearless leader. When she took on the director role a few months ago, I immediately noticed a renewed energy in the building with fresh ideas to brighten the children’s day and enhance their social & intellectual education!”
Alicia is the owner of Alicia Lopez Child Care in Columbus, NE. She has been a child care provider for over 20 years, and like many in her field, Alicia began her career as a way to stay home with her own children. “They are all grown and moved out and I’m still doing child care, and still love it as much as I did when I started 20 years ago.”
Alicia says her passion is to provide a fun, loving environment for every child in her care. “I love the relationships I have with the children and parents. We are all family.”
Winning this award has made Alicia feel a lot of emotions, but all good ones, she says. “I’m truly thankful for all my current and past families for allowing me to be part of their child’s life. Each child I have had in care has a very special place in my heart and always will.”
Congratulations, Alicia!
“She is passionate about her work and truly does care for her daycare children as her own. When my daughter was in the hospital, she took time out of her personal life to come sit with her so I could go home and shower and just have some time to myself. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for child care.”
Hilary Bergers has been a child care provider for nearly 20 years! She is an early childhood educator at Imagination Station in Omaha, NE.
Hilary became interested in child care when her husband was in the military and she needed a way to support her family. However, providing child care quickly became her passion. “This was something I could do to earn money and still be with my daughter. But I have stayed in child care because I discovered a passion for the field! I love watching children grow into the amazing people they become!”
Hilary is humbled and excited to be recognized as an Early Childhood Champion.”Being named an Early Childhood Champion is a great honor! I truly love what I do every day! The field of Early Childhood Education, infant care, and education, in particular, is so important for determining a child’s success later in life. I know in my heart that I am helping these children form a solid base on which to build and grow!”
“Thank you to the people or person who nominated me for this award! I feel truly honored and blessed to receive this and it’s because of you.”
Congratulations, Hilary!
“She is more than just someone who watches my child during the day. She truly loves him and wants to help him grow up happy and healthy.”
Heather has been in the early childhood field for over 30 years. She has been active as a licensed provider for 17 years. She is the owner of Love & Learn Childcare in Broken Bow, NE.
Heather said the child care provider profession chose her. “I have had other jobs in my life, but I just keep coming back to early childhood. When I opened my own licensed child care in 2005, I finally felt at peace and fulfilled in my career.”
Heather is honored to be recognized as an Early Childhood Champion. “I have been working so hard to advocate for myself, as well as all early childhood educators. Highlighting the work we do strengthens our commitment and our voice, to be better able to serve children and families in our community.”
“Children have a natural curiosity and desire to learn and explore the world around them. To foster this, I must be committed to life-long learning.”
Congratulations, Heather!
“She made a huge impact on my daughter, encouraging her love of music and art, and providing structure and love. She was a lifesaver to me as a single mom, going above and beyond to help me when I had to take call and got called in for emergencies. I still consider her a great friend and resource for child related questions.”
Dina S. Nared has been a child care provider for more than 43 years and is the owner of Nared’s PeeWee Palace, Inc. in Omaha.
She comes from a family of educators, including her mom, who instilled her love for reading at an early age. “Through books we visited many places as she read to us every evening. When we opened our center, she read to the children which left them wanting more and I knew that was my job, to create the love of reading in our students and giving them an opportunity to share that same experience.”
Dina is grateful for the recognition as an Early Childhood Champion what it means. “This award means that someone recognizes and values my contributions and dedication to the children I care for… My mom would be so proud.”
Congratulations, Dina!
“Caring, kind, loving is what Dina brings to the table each time she opens the door. Her compassion is nonstop throughout the day from the youngest to the oldest. She comforts the first-time parent and provides that loving feeling to her child as she walks away with that last kiss. We are living in a time of great stress and it means a lot to me.”
Sara Stevenson began her journey as a child care provider like many in the field; previously an RN, she saw a need in her community for child care. One of her nominators said, “Like many communities in rural Nebraska, the quantity and sometimes quality of child care in our community isn’t always quite enough. Sara recognized that and was determined to be a part of the solution.”
Sara says she never imagined being named an Early Childhood Champion. “I am so thankful to have great families who allow me to be part of their children’s lives in all aspects.”
Congratulations, Sara!
“My toddler’s vocabulary and knowledge has absolutely exploded because of the supplemental activities she provides for her preschool-aged participants. He will start preschool this month and I know that he will do well transitioning into that environment because of the time he spends with Sara. She has made a tremendous difference for my family and many others!”
Carime Ruvalcaba is the owner of Karime Child Care, LLC, and has been a child care provider for 5 years. She is a dedicated professional who does great work for her community.
“I love being one of the people who positively influence the lives of children and families.”
Her passion for children’s welfare is evident, and she takes advantage of any professional opportunity that comes her way because she thinks that by learning more, she will be able to better care for children and change their lives. “If we invest in thriving children, we will help build thriving families and that will lead to thriving communities.”
Carime is a role model for other Hispanic women in Nebraska and she inspires them to obtain their licenses. Because of her dedication to quality child care, she is often invited to speak at conferences.
“Her location meets a high standard of hygiene and safety for children, as well as a great human quality, allowing the improvement of children’s skills and emotional development. It meets all the expectations for a mother or father to feel the confidence and security that their children will be cared for in a healthy and safe environment.”
Kayla Neumann is an Early Childhood Special Education teacher at Westside Community Schools. She has worked in Early Childhood Education for 10 years and was inspired to pursue a career in education because of the impactful relationships she formed with her teachers.
“When I decided to go back to school, I wanted to create and build those relationships and make an impact with children just like my teachers did with me. I also knew that I wanted to create a safe, supportive and compassionate environment where children could come to learn and grow!”
Kayla says this award is meaningful to her and affirms that she is right where she needs to be.
“This truly is such an honor. I work very hard to fill my students with positivity every day and I make it my mission for my students to know how truly incredible they each are.”
Congratulations, Kayla!
“Kayla sees every kid and makes them know that they are worthy of her time and attention. Kayla pushes kids to reach their full potential while making sure they feel loved and valued.”
Angie Kaup is the owner of Magic Giggles Childcare in Hooper, NE. She has always enjoyed caring for children. Prior to starting her in-home child care program 23 years ago, she worked as a nanny. “Growing up, my mother had an in-home day care, and I knew I wanted to do the same.”
Angie is thankful for all of her child care families for trusting her to be a big part of their children’s lives. She hopes that quality child care is more available to all children, and feels that there is a great need for quality child care everywhere in the U.S.
“Being named an Early Childhood Champion means so much to me. It shows that even being a small in-home child care provider that my love and dedication for the families I care for is being noticed. I care for these children and their families so much and this award shows me they appreciate me as much as I do them.”
Congratulations, Angie!
“Angie welcomes my children into her home and treats them like family. She does a great job allowing the children to be themselves in a safe environment along with providing good ethical care. She puts kids’ needs before her own and her family supports her business creating a loving atmosphere. Angie gives back to her business and is always updating her toys and activities to keep up with the kids’ demands and attention. We feel like we hit the jackpot for daycare in a small town.”
Bonita Sims is the owner of Chosen 1 Child Development Center in Omaha, NE. She has been a child care provider for over 20 years, serving families with newborns to watching them grow into school age and beyond.
Bonita says the love and passion she has for children is what made her want to be a child care provider, and her nominators see it too.
“My child has been going to Chosen One Child Development Center since she was a newborn and has grown mentally, physically, and emotionally while being under Mrs. Bonita’s care. She wakes up daily and is eager to get to school, and being that she is only two years old, I am an impressed mom.”
Bonita says this award means a lot. “I am so excited to receive this award. I have a passion to work with children. The love and passion I have for children has not gone unnoticed. Thank you.”
Congratulations, Bonita!
“My two year old knows her alphabet, colors, shapes, some numbers/letters, and how to recognize her name and the spelling; and that is due to the knowledge poured into her daily by Mrs. Bonita and her staff/educators. My number one rule is that my child has to get in the car each day after school and tell me at least one thing she learned in that day, and we end up having a whole car ride of exciting stories.”
Yai Johnson is the owner of Circle of Love Childcare Center in Omaha, NE. Having been a child care provider since the age of 16, Yai has been running her program for almost 10 years, serving hundreds of families and managing to sustain her business through the pandemic and other challenges.
“I have always had a love for children. Growing up in a big family having younger siblings, and a large family as well as having once older children of my own, I’ve seen what joy children can bring.”
Yai is thankful for all child care providers and says that their work does not go unnoticed. She also encourages parents’ commitment to child care in order to build meaningful relationships to ensure children are getting what they need.
“Being one of the smaller entities in the child care industry in Omaha and being able to receive such an award means a great deal. Thank you Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative and anyone who recognizes my work and who made this award possible.”
Congratulations, Yai!
“Circle of Love is a loving, clean environment that actually cares and treats the kids like their own. I have actually witnessed the staff doing curriculum with their students. Great overall professional environment I would send my kids there with no worries!”
Jennifer Baumann has been running her program, Little Angel Playschool, since August of 1999. Like many child care professionals, Jennifer initially entered the field to be able to support her children. Soon after, she realized she thoroughly enjoyed working with children and learning about their development.
“I saw that it was an opportunity to watch children grow and blossom into confident, self-sufficient learners. I began to understand how essential having a growth mindset is working in child care.”
Jennifer started her business out of her home, then was able to purchase a separate home next door to run her program out of. She says this extra room has allowed her to do so much more with the children in her care. This separate space also helps her avoid burnout, something she says is prevalent in the field, because she can walk away from her work at the end of the day.
“Children are truly amazing, and it is a joy to see them grow, play, and achieve their milestones. Yes, the effort is difficult, but the rewards are enormous. I feel fortunate to be a part of a child’s first five years of life.”
Congratulations, Jennifer!
“I cannot say enough good things about Little Angel Playschool and Jennifer Baumann. I am thankful every single day that our child has the opportunity to grow in this facility. And grow he has. I am amazed at how he has truly blossomed into a responsible, kind, considerate toddler. And I know I have Jennifer to thank 100%. You know she has created something special when your child wakes up on Saturday asking if he can go see Miss Jennifer.”
Currently serving as the primary provider in the infant 1 room at Hamilton Heights Child Development Center, Christina Sigbornson has been a child care provider for 23 years.
“I knew from a young age that I wanted to be around young children.” Christina said that she thought she would choose to be an elementary school teacher, but soon realized her path would look a little different. “After starting at my first center, I knew that I would much rather spend my day with children under the age of 3.”
Thanks to the passion and dedication of early childhood professionals like Christina, more children in Nebraska are able to receive the high-quality care and education they need to thrive. “When I was notified that I had won, my breath was taken away. Winning this award means that I am seen as a professional.” Thank you for being an Early Childhood Champion, Christina!
“Christina leads by example – she motivates the other teachers in the building to join trainings and develop as early childhood educators. Her passion for this field shows by encouraging the rest of the staff to b the best teachers possible, and not to settle for anything less.”
Jami Legate is the owner of Stepping Stones in Norfolk, NE. With 6 years of experience in child care, Jami worked at two child care centers before starting her family child care business in 2018.
“I have always loved kids and I love watching them grow and learn every day. My first little one that I had from 6 months old to 4 years old just left me this year for preschool; I was very sad to see him go but so happy to see him growing up!”
Jami says that she wouldn’t be where she is without all of her amazing families. “It means so much to me to get this award! I’m so thankful for all of the amazing families I had and still have in my care.” Thank you, Jami, for being an Early Childhood Champion!
“Jami provides top quality child care! She is a great communicator, educator, and always professional. I never have to worry about leaving my child with her. She provides activities to challenge learning as well as daily updates and photos that I always look forward to. I can focus on my work without compromising the care of my child.”
Jannette Vilela is an early educator at Educare of Omaha at Indian Hill. She has been a child care provider for 15 years and says she became a teacher aide because of her love of being around children who are eager to learn. “I think teaching is one of the greatest professions there are out there we are helping them grow as individuals as we teach them the knowledge that they didn’t know before. Seeing a student learn and excel at something is genuinely a rewarding experience.”
Jannette says she has always loved working with children, and working at Educare has been a great opportunity to make a real positive impact in her community and provide children with the skills necessary to grow and succeed in life.
“This award means a lot to me. As it represents the hard work, the dedication, and the way I‘ve given it my all into the work I do. It represents me putting all of my heart into helping our kids and their families. To put all your knowledge and abilities in practice and to see the outcomes of your work, reflected in the kids when they learn something new, when they smile, seeing their faces full of happiness it makes me proud that I’m making a difference in each and every one of them.”
Congratulations, Jannette!
“Jannette is an asset to Educare of Omaha and has an immense impact on our community. While serving at-risk students at our center, Janette comes each day ready for the challenge. While the pressures of short staffing have made the challenges even greater, that does not stop Janette… She is a strong, dedicated, and loving teacher to the children who need it most.”
Shannon Stutzman is the owner of Stutzman’s Daycare. She’s been a child care provider for 24 years and started her journey after struggling to find a child care provider for her daughter. “During our search, becoming a provider always sat in the back of my mind. About a year and a half after our son was born I felt like I was missing out on my children’s milestones and really started thinking of becoming a childcare provider. The care and love that our children received, I wanted to do that and share that with others.”
Shannon received her CDA credential in June, is involved in Rooted in Relationships, Step Up to Quality, an is an Elevated Network Provider. Shannon says she strives to be the best provider she can be – continually taking classes and trainings to better her program because she recognizes how important the first years are in a child’s life.
“I’m amazed every single day by the things that the children have learned, say and do! It’s like getting a prize out of a Cracker Jack box, you never know what you’re going to get! The children that I have cared for become my children and I never really think of how long I’ve been a provider until we get invited to their graduations and weddings.”
“Shannon truly loves every child that she cares for. She comes to their extracurricular activities to cheer them on, she gets every child a birthday and Christmas gift every year. She is not only your child care provider, but becomes a permanent member of your family. My children are out of the daycare age, but Shannon continues to care about them and support them.”
Alisha Perkins is the owner of Perkins Tender Love & Care in Omaha. Her program offers 24-hour care to families, a unique and impactful offering to the community! Alisha says that after working closely with families in the human services field for over 20 years, she learned that a healthy foundation makes a difference, and that’s what lead her to her true passion – children. “I wanted to make the most impact by providing a fun, loving, nurturing learning environment for children. I am currently living a dual passion, I work hands-on with children and I still provide resources and supports to their parents!”
“To my PerkinsTLC families, entrusting me with your most prized possessions is an honor! I love working with each child, they have a special place at PerkinsTLC! To all the childcare support agencies, I appreciate the opportunities, experiences, training, and supports you all provide! To my fellow in-home childcare providers, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
“Alisha is the best child care provider ever! She always goes above and beyond to assist me with my kids and any challenges that may come unexpectedly! She is very active and hands on with the kiddos. Always planning fun activities for both the kids and the families to attend. She teaches them the basics and beyond. We love you Ms. Alisha.”
Ash (Ashley) Garrison is the owner of Sky High Daycare in Beatrice, NE. She has been a licensed child care provider for 11 years and is currently in the process of opening a second program in the Beatrice area. She started her career in high school when she was a student aide for the kindergarten class. “I adored spending my afternoons with children and teaching them life skills,” Ashley said. “When I had my first son, I realized it was the perfect time to operate my own child care.”
Ashley says that building long-lasting relationships with children and families has been the best part of running an in-home facility. “The award made my heart beat out of my chest. I’m so humbled by all that nominated me. I love what I do so much that my work never feels like a job. The award makes me feel extra thankful for all who have shared their children with me.”
“I nominate Ashley Garrison because the quality of care my child gets is outstanding! I never have to worry for a second about my child while I am at work. Ashley treats each child with love like they are her own. I would highly recommend this provider. My daughter also loves Ashley’s helper Emily. We would be lost without them. Every morning my daughter says, “Today’s going to be so much fun!” when she realizes we are going to daycare.”
