By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
A passion discovered in college turned into a 15 year-career for Nicole Brungardt, who now helps prepare local children for kindergarten from home.
"I was in elementary education as a freshman in college. I started working at a preschool here in Hays, and as I worked more with kids that age, I started to realize I loved working with this age group," she said.
Brungardt completed her degrees in elementary and early childhood education from Fort Hays State University in 2010 and has since operated an in-home preschool called Kinder Kollege.
Brungardt said her program focuses on children ages 3 to 5, offering a structured curriculum in a family-centered setting. The child care space is in her basement.
"I essentially created a preschool classroom. I have different tables, separate areas, a circle time rug. It's all downstairs," he said.
Brungardt has four children of her own and typically cares for about six to eight others. The daily schedule includes letters, shapes, colors and books, along with worksheets, basic science activities, and arts and crafts.
Brungardt said she intentionally keeps her group sizes small to minimize stress and ensure every child receives the attention they deserve. She operates from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Brungardt said the most challenging part of the job is maintaining a boundary between her work and personal life.
"Trying to balance this being my home and also my business," she said. "Downstairs is my business, and then my family is upstairs. Just trying to keep it that way."
On the flip side, Brungardt said the most rewarding part of her work is watching children grow and succeed as they prepare for kindergarten.
If there's anything Brungardt hopes children leave her care with, it's the love of learning. She describes them as a second family.
"Child care is a passion profession. I do it because I love it, not because it pays well," she said.
Brungardt said other obstacles include rising food and supply costs and the lack of health care benefits or a retirement plan.
"The benefits of child care are that I have gotten to spend quality time with my own children while still making a living. It’s important to me not to miss all the little moments, especially when they are young," she said.
Brungardt said families often remain connected through school activities involving her own children and personal relationships, with occasional invitations to birthday parties.
Brungardt said she was surprised to be awarded January’s Child Care Champion, but described the honor as meaningful.
"It's humbling to know that people really do appreciate everything I do for their kids," she said.
Brungardt credited her husband as her biggest source of support, saying he has sacrificed space in their home and helps care for their children while she works.
Brungardt also credited mentors Brenda Porter and Tara Simmons, who she said took her under their wing and helped her learn to run Kinder Kollege like a business.
You can follow Kinder Kollege on Facebook.