"that, as they say, 'it takes a village,' and I get to be a part of that village for so many families. Now my own daughter gets to be a part of our village too!"

"that I get to care for such young children and knowing that I will have some part in shaping their future. It is a very rewarding experience. I love getting to know their parents and siblings and cherish the time each child spends in my classroom!"

"being able to share nature with our little ones. Watching them explore in nature, interact with the animals and see their faces light up with excitement is very rewarding! They are capable of a lot at this young age and are super troopers on the hiking trails!"

"that, as a mom, I understand how important it is to have someone you trust to care for, nurture, and love your baby when you cannot be there. My daily goal is to give parents the peace of mind that their child is safe and getting the best care possible."

"the energy level of young children. I also really enjoy watching them explore, play, and learn about their world!"

"seeing the kids grow and shape their personalities!"

"being part of a family-oriented community that nurtures a child’s life, as well as that point of contact that welcomes and cheers parents on during the PM shift homestretch!"

"that every day is different and we get frequent opportunities to explore the trails."

"forming relationships with the children and their families. I love hearing about a new milestone that was reached, or what fun activities the families did during the weekend. It makes me happy knowing I get to be a part of their lives, no matter how big or small that impact may be."

"that children unlock the door to our imaginations, reminding us that anything is possible."

"being able to explore the outdoors with the children. I love watching their responses to new things and watching them become engaged with their surroundings."

"inspiring children to believe in themselves. When I was a child, I had a teacher that made me feel like I mattered and that I could do anything. I love having the opportunity to do that for my students."

"forming relationships with the children! I love to see how excited they are to work with you when they enjoy your company or even to visit you when they aren't in your group anymore."

"the opportunity to make the kids smile and laugh, and how they make me smile and laugh in return."

"watching the children explore and grow into their little personalities. I love reading stories with them and singing silly songs!"

"getting to introduce new and unique experiences to the children to create a lasting impression and spark new ideas and imagination. I love to make up songs, be silly and helping bring out the children's individuality in a fun way!"

"watching children play. It is so rewarding to see their imaginations at work, to see the wonder on their faces when they do something for the first time, and to watch them make new friends. Their joy and laughter is contagious."

"seeing the creativity and imagination spark in these kids because of my background in art. Their personalities are infectious and everyday they find a new way to make me laugh!"

"sharing my music and farming background with the children."

"getting to greet families and make special connections with children of all ages!"