Labor of Love: Over Fifty Years Dedicated to Children

AUSTIN, Texas, February 27, 2018 (Newswire.com) - In this era, it is difficult to find anyone who works in the same position for a long period of time. However, a person who finds a true labor of love could work in that field for a lifetime. That is exactly what Child Care Provider, Shirley Phillips, has done. After 57 years in child care, Shirley still talks about ‘her’ kids with a level of passion and commitment that makes anyone listening understand why, for her, this is the best position in the world.

Through the years, Shirley’s family has become involved in the business. Her daughter, Susan, worked for the child care over 10 years. After retirement, her husband, Bill, has been the other half of the team for 26 years. Together they have taught the children everything from their ABC's and 123's to nutrition, manners, and to respect the feelings of others. They take great pride in their child care and the preschool classes they have every day. 

I can't imagine doing anything else. I have taken care of kids all my life and I'd rather do that than anything else out there.

Shirley Phillips, Child Care Provider

During her time as child care provider, Shirley has been fortunate to care for three generations of children from the same family. That speaks volumes about her love for the profession and the love her aging daycare children, now grandparents, have for her. Shirley proudly shared a story of calling a mom who she had cared for as a child and having the opportunity to tell that mom her baby’s first word.

Through her time as a provider, many things have changed; different regulations, family lifestyles, and more education requirements to name a few. Shirley says that a child care provider has more responsibilities today than ever before, but the kids stay the same. If a child care provider surrounds children with the educational tools they need and a loving, nurturing environment the kids can have a successful start. For Shirley, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the kids learn and grow, knowing she has played a key role in their lives.

CACFP is an indicator of quality child care. When children are cared for by providers who are part of the CACFP program they are receiving the best nutrition available. Learn more about other CACFP providers featured in the Member Showcase at CACFP's website, www.cacfp.org.

Since 1986, the National CACFP Sponsors Association (NCA) is the leading national organization for sponsors who administer the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). It provides education and support to thousands of members in the CACFP community and in particular to sponsors of all sizes from across the country. CACFP strives to improve communication between families, caregivers, sponsors and their supervising government agencies.

Source: National CACFP Sponsors Association