BRODHEAD — “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.”
That’s the motto at Little Learners Daycare, a family childcare in Brodhead that founder Chelsea Andrews said puts a high priority on outdoor playtime.
“My program is unique with all the time that we spend outdoors,” Andrews said, adding her program is nature and play based. “Rain, shine, cold, hot. It doesn’t matter. We love all types of weather.”
Andrews started her business four years ago as a way to stay home with her children. “I also understood the need for childcare and I wanted to help,” she said.
She enjoys learning along with the children in her care. “I love watching how much they teach me. It is so fun guiding them along and simply showing them they are already so smart, strong and capable. We often underestimate all that children can do and how much they already know,” Andrews said. “I like to call myself a ‘play facilitator.’ They learn through their play and I am simply here to join in on the fun and help them when needed.”
Long hours can be a challenge for any childcare educator. Like others, Andrews needs to be available before and after typical working hours, which can add up to a 52-hour working week. Family childcare is notoriously difficult and many providers understandably find it unsustainable, Andrews said. “It is challenging to learn to take time for yourself.”
Family childcares need support, she said. They often don’t get paid vacations, sick time, insurance or other benefits that other employers may offer. Those factors, combined with low wages, can push even the most dedicated childcare educator out of the field.
“I wish people would know all the work that we put into what we do,” Andrews said. “I always tell people this is the most difficult job I have ever done but it is, by far, the most rewarding.”
It’s also a vitally important job, she said. Without childcare, parents can’t go to work. “The pandemic showed that when there is no childcare, the world stops. Businesses cannot run and families do not feel secure when there is a lack of quality childcare,” Andrews said.
Unfortunately, childcare educators are often not recognized enough, nor are they seen as educators. Having recognition and respect from community members would be a good start to showing better support for childcare, she said.
Despite the challenges, it’s a labor of love for Andrews. She particularly enjoys watching children gain confidence and discovering what they can accomplish.
“This is my passion. I love what I do, and am continually growing and learning. I will be graduating with my bachelor’s of science degree in Early Childcare and Education at the end of 2022, but that doesn’t mean I will be done learning. My goal is still, and will always be, to instill a lifelong love of learning and a lifelong love of nature in the kids,” she said.
