We couldn’t be more excited to see the amazing things in store for 2023, but before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s wrap up an amazing year with your highlights!

Sheri Sohm - We had a few projects this year. We completely remodeled our preschool room with new paint, carpet, & decor. My favorite part is the book nook my husband built after I saw it on Etsy. The kids love it & so do I!

June Ogilby – This year has been a whirlwind! Learning how to navigate the world of family child care has been challenging at times but so rewarding. 

I’ve learned a lot in my first year at June B’s. I’ve also brought into the world my 3rd baby boy! I love each and everyone of my daycare kiddos. 

They bring light to my day and definitely keep me busy. It warms my heart to see the close friendships that have formed. They love coming to see their friends everyday!

Jessica Kelly – My favorite project this last year would have to be receiving the garden grant from Our Daily Bread. They came to help us set it up! I’ve never experienced anything like it! The kids have gotten very involved. I wasn’t a “dirt” kind of person, but I had a blast! Now, I want goats, chickens, and cows! We will continue our garden next year and go even bigger! This year has been kinda crazy! My biggest accomplishments have been keeping up with paperwork, passing inspections, celebrating the diversity of my program, and starting the CDA class. I’ve also really enjoyed watching my kiddos become like family to each other.  They do things together, even outside of child care hours! I am so happy to see the strong bond they’ve formed! 

Emy Jaramillo – One of my favorite moments from this year was our annual BBQ - I loved that all families made a commitment to come to have fun, fellowship and shared one of their family favorite dishes. Some parents got to know each other. The engagement with the kids was amazing as they played water games, board games, playground and simply sat down at the table to enjoy a delicious meal. Thankful for the connection and appreciation from the parents.

Patricia Porter – A memorable moment from this year was when I received a return visit from kids who have grown up.

Mary Rosario – My Family Child Care Home in Hanson has children who range from birth to three years old. My favorite memory from this year has been planting a vegetable garden with the kids. Each child got to plant the seeds in starter containers, then we watched them mature in the sunroom. Once the weather was ready, we planted them in large containers outside. We got a grant to replace our old rotten deck with a flagstone patio! We are definitely enjoying that! I am also about to finish my Associates Degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education!

Kathy Stinson - During our October focus on Fire Safety, we invited a local fire department firefighter, Larry May, to come to our child care and show our enrollees what a fire department provides for our community. He brought a huge water tank fire truck ( not commonly seen) and he took great care to show its attributes and purpose. This became a great opportunity to plant the seed needed to grow some future firefighters!

Sarah Shuecraft - Operating 12 years: Although heartbreaking, I was pleased all five of my littles were ready for kindergarten and are all doing well.

Chianna Hammes - Having my first family tell me that it was a blessing being able to have a small family child care for both their infant and toddler, as well as that they are seeing improvement in their children's development. Their toddler couldn't do anything without his blanket, and now with lots of encouragement he no longer carries it everywhere! 

Birgit Billham - Operating 27 years: Building a new play set for the kids and their reaction to the completed project.

Hannah Bennett - I wanted to open an in home preschool/child care center because it was much needed in my community. This year, I opened my Type II preschool which accepts ages 3,4 and 5 year olds. My mission for Hannah’s Helpers Preschool is for every child to learn in a loving environment. Our curriculum is centered around the 5 learning domains, and I believe that best practice is learning through play.

One of my favorite memories of the year would have to be our Fall Festival! It included a bouncy house, tractor hayride, pumpkin patch picking, face painting, pumpkin games, corn hole, and much more. The parents were asked to join us and each parent was able to take off work and come hang out with us that morning. It was nice to see all the children together and having fun. The smiles on their faces couldn’t be beat!



I have 10 amazing kids who love learning, playing and being around each other. Being a first year preschool business owner I couldn’t have asked for a better year. I can only hope and pray I get to serve Union County for many, many, more years!

View the WKU FCCN Training Calendar for more information and to register. 

Funded through Family Childcare Support Award SC 7362100001482

www.wku.edu/fccn