By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Laura Monroe's son can't wait to go to day care.
Monroe said in her nomination of Brandi Ficken as the Child Care Champion for April, "Brandi is absolutely the best! My son loves going to her and will ask every day if he can go to day care.
"She does so many learning and fun activities with the kids, but also gives all the extra cuddles when needed!"
Ficken, who is a Hays native, graduated from Hays High School and NCK-Tech with a business degree.
Ficken, 25, worked at a preschool for five years. After her son, Jace, was born two years ago, she opened an in-home child care.
"This is the best thing," she said. "It worked out for me."
Ficken said the in-home child care means Jace and his mother can be together, but Jace can also make friends with the other children.
Ficken said she always knew she wanted to work with children.
"My favorite part is seeing them grow all of the time," she said, "just the differences in a week to a month. They are always learning something."
The children she cared for at the preschool are growing up.
"It's crazy to think how fast time goes," she said. "You're out in public. They're with the parents, and they're so big."
Ficken's child care curriculum is play-based, with ample time to spend outdoors. She said that manipulative toys are important for fine motor skill development, and outdoor exercise is crucial for children's gross motor development.
She also enjoys doing holiday crafts with the kids.
The children have to adjust to new rules when they enter a child care, but Ficken said she thought the children learn the routine quickly.
Ficken said she hasn't faced many challenges—the most significant hurdle has been helping Jace learn to share his house.
She would urge others who love children to try child care as a career.
"If you want to do it, just do it. Some days it's a rollercoaster ride. Some days are up, and some days are down, but that's OK," Ficken said.
To nominate a Child Care Champion, click here.