Wyoming PBS Honors Outstanding Child Care Providers

Since 2008, Wyoming PBS has been honoring outstanding home childcare providers from around the state for their hard work and dedication to early childcare and learning. The Wyoming PBS Outstanding Childcare Providers honored in 2012 were Kim Weinrich, from Casper; Ann Klein, from Gillette; and Jennifer Leonhardt, from Lovell.

All three providers were honored at a legislative reception in Cheyenne followed by a breakfast hosted by Wyoming’s First Lady, Carol Mead, at the Governor’s Mansion. “It is important to acknowledge these outstanding childcare providers, as they are performing one of the most critical services – nurturing and educating our young children – and we want them to continue,” said Wyoming PBS General Manager Ruby Calvert. “Our childcare provider awards also reinforce best practices and training opportunities, because we all learn new ideas from these role model providers.”

All three award winners are not only child care providers but also engaged women in their community. Take for example the first award winner Kim Weinrich. She has not only been a licensed provider in the Casper community for over 23 years but she is also member of Provider’s Empowering Providers, a state wide organization of home based providers. Also, Ann Klein has been a licensed provider in the Gillette community for over 12 years and is a member of Provider’s Empowering Providers, a state wide organization of home based providers.

The third outstanding child care provider is Jennifer Leonhardt. Being a member of the STARS Board of Review, she is a strong advocate for children in Wyoming. “Jennifer offers a program rich with everyday life experiences, an emphasis on literacy skills and preparing children for Kindergarten,” said Wyoming PBS Ready To Learn Coordinator Penny Hotovec. “Jennifer has created an environment of educational opportunities that enrich the lives of the children and families she serves.”

“These ladies are dedicated licensed professionals striving to meet the academic and emotional needs of the children in their care,” said Hotovec. “They have created a routine of educational play and encouragement which enrich the lives of the children and families they serve while preparing them for kindergarten.”

You can watch a video clip of the Child Care Provider Awards here: