MONROE — Making a positive impact on children every day. Seeing children thrive and be happy. Watching them develop to their greatest potential. Just ask Andrea Priebe what it means to be a childcare professional and she has no trouble listing the advantages of working in her field. 

“I love to see that my efforts and care can make a difference, and make a positive impact on a child’s well-being,” she said. “Childcare is extremely gratifying. You get to watch children learn, grow, and develop to their greatest potential. Working as a childcare provider, you can give children a good start in life by assisting them in developing social skills in a safe and caring atmosphere that fosters learning through play. Yes, the effort is difficult, but the rewards are enormous.”

Priebe came to childcare 18 years ago after her position with the Monroe school district was eliminated. The principal she worked for encouraged her to work with children and Priebe decided to become licensed and open her in-home family childcare. She is currently licensed for up to eight children between 12 weeks and 6 years old.

Children who come to her are treated like family. Because she forms a close bond with the children in her care, it’s difficult when they grow up and head off to school. “Most children in my childcare start with me when they are 12 weeks old. I get to nurture and love them while their parents are at work for 5 or 6 years. Sending them off to school is extremely challenging for me,” Priebe said.

Working with young children and their families isn’t always easy, and at times can be emotionally exhausting, she acknowledged. Childcare professionals are often unrecognized and even unsupported for the work that they do. “As an early childhood professional, we must hold ourselves to a higher standard if we want to change the way that we are seen by society. We are not babysitters; we are early childhood professionals and we need to start being treated like professionals,” Priebe said.

She sees putting more emphasis and support behind high quality, affordable childcare as a bridge to a strong economic future for all.

“Families are looking for childcare that is convenient, affordable and most importantly, makes sure that their child is safe, healthy, loved, and is learning,” Priebe said.

Cultivating childcare is important for growing the future workforce, as well as ensuring that parents can work, Priebe said. “Childcare is a must for most families. Most families rely on childcare so they can work. Businesses rely on childcare so they can keep staff and keep their doors open. Availability of childcare affects parents’ decision to work. 

“Eighteen years ago, when I first got licensed, there were 30 licensed family child cares in Monroe; today there are only 7 in-home family child cares. Something needs to change. I think Green County is on the right path with the overwhelming help and donations we have received from the community,” Priebe said.