2016 Award Nomination
Award Category: Outstanding Leadership- Non-management and Volunteer of the Year
Nominee Information: Jessie Longenberger Title: Kinder Haus Daycare Staff
This individual has worked in this community’s child daycare center for 10 years. The daycare center is currently licensed to serve 50 children ages 6 weeks to 6 years of age Monday through Friday.
On a daily basis this individual plans a variety of educational and recreational activities with the children to encourage residents to engage life to the fullest, continue personal growth and development, and maintain wellness. The children engage residents through, playing games, making crafts, singing with residents in memory care, participating in classroom activities with residents from residential and independent living, and delivering the mail to those living in healthcare.
Mixing the generations is beneficial to both age groups. It helps the children learn to appreciate senior citizens, teaching them to see beyond their disabilities, while the presence of children helps the residents in numerous ways. “This individual really understands the value the children and residents receive from these intergenerational activities,” stated the daycare director. “A lot of thought is put into the lesson plans to make these interactions meaningful.”
This person’s commitment to the team is beyond expectation. Staff members would describe this individual as one who is always a team player never looking for credit. “To me a team player is someone who is always willing to help where needed, open to new ideas, someone with a listening ear, and one
who is committed,” stated a daycare staff member. “When I think of team work, this individual comes to mind. This person’s kind and compassionate heart exhibits many qualities of teamwork.”
This person has a love for knowledge and seeks as many training opportunities as possible above the required amount needed for certification only to benefit the children. This person annually participates in the Fort Wayne Chapter of Indiana AEYC fall conference. This person networks and brings back new and exciting ideas to implement with the children. This individual seeks out Webinar trainings conducted by Indiana Association for Child Care Resource and Referral to participate in to again increase knowledge in early childhood. Monthly trainings conducted by Child Care Resource and Referral are also attended by this individual.
This person is one of the first employees in this community to volunteer their time. For the past several years this person has volunteered to help with the annual chicken barbeque for the daycare. Not only does this person volunteer to help at the barbeque, this person has been the top seller of barbeque tickets for several years. This person has a desire to help others on and off of the clock. Numerous other jobs this individual has volunteered for include the big wheel race hosted by the daycare for the town’s local festival, working at the 4-H Fair representing the daycare, and assisting with the annual 5K held by this community. “This person is always asking how can I help and is so willing to give back to others,” stated the daycare director.
This individual has a heart for children. “This person cares about the child and their family,” stated the daycare director. “This individual wants to be a part of the child’s family life. Christian values and family values sets this person apart from others. I have always known this person to be one to do the right thing. Most of all this person has the children’s interest at heart all of the time.”
One parent stated, “The love and care this person provides for my children is so important. As a working parent, it is hard to leave my children in another’s care, but knowing that this individual has so much love for my children makes it so much easier to leave them each day.”
This individual is truly dedicated to the mission of serving the children and residents of this community. The love and compassion shared by this person everyday provides so much joy to our community. “We are honored to have a great induvial like this working with our children and residents on a daily basis,” stated VP of Marketing/Public Relations.
