MONROE — Monroe Preschool, Inc. is a non-profit preschool that’s been serving children and their families since 1971. Located at 1025 ½ 15th Ave. in Monroe, it offers preschool and 4K programs for area children.

Monroe Preschool strives to focus on the individual child. “We have small class sizes and enjoy fostering each individual’s growth and creativity. We teach kindness and caring,” said director Rebecca Tschanz. “We offer a safe, caring quality environment.”

Working with children and their families is one of her favorite parts of her job, she added.

“Each child and family is unique. Watching them express their individual interest in a creative environment can be very rewarding,” Tschanz said. She particularly enjoys watching children change over the course of a school year, documenting their growth and development from the start of the year until the end.

Funding for the preschool can be a challenge, depending on the year, Tschanz noted. It could help, she said, if it were more widely understood in the community that her staff are “trained professionals, who care deeply for each child.”

How early childhood educators are valued overall is one area of the childcare profession she would like to see changed. “We take care of the youngest children, at the most important time of their development,” she said.

Childcare is an important issue for the entire community.

“Childcare is vital for families, businesses and the community. It’s vital to have a safe learning environment so working families have a quality setting for their youngest family members,” she said.

Community support for childcare is critical: Having more information about early childcare educators can garner more support and understanding within the community.

“We are always willing to answer any questions to learn how to support our very important services,” she said.