Child Start

FLASH SALE ALERT! This week only, we're offering $20 off tickets to our upcoming Camp GWC conference!??? Whether you're a member with us or not, this sale is for YOU! Hurry, the sale ends Friday, March 21st at 5pm! Don't miss your chance to save and join us for an unforgettable event! Secure your ticket today before the sale ends! Also, don't forget to grab your Camp GWC t shirts at checkout??:?https://lnkd.in/gfEaUVT2

?? BIG NEWS! ?? We’re thrilled to announce that our El Dorado Head Start location has officially converted a Head Start classroom into an Early Head Start classroom! ?? Join us for a grand opening ribbon-cutting as we celebrate the launch of our new Early Head Start classroom! A huge thank you to the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce for helping us mark this special moment. We can’t wait to share this milestone with our community!

When we’re kids, we dream big—some of us want to explore space, others want to save lives, and some want to fly at supersonic speeds. But as we grow, our paths often take different turns. Damon Ward, CPA, CGMA, one of Child Start’s Board Members, had dreams of soaring through the skies as a fighter jet pilot, but life took him on a different path. Here's what he had to say: "When I was young, I was always fascinated by flight—specifically fighter jets and the awe of space flight with the space shuttle. I desperately wanted to be a fighter jet pilot, but my eyesight had other ideas. You never know what’s going to click as you go through school, so keep your options open. I randomly took an accounting class, and that’s where it clicked for me—I knew a career in accounting and finance was what I wanted to pursue. Coming back to flight, today I am the Chief Accounting Officer for Spirit AeroSystems, a company that builds large and complex aerostructures for planes that people fly on every day, military aircraft that we regularly see flying around Wichita, and yes—even parts that fly into space!" Damon’s story is a perfect reminder that dreams evolve, and sometimes, the path we take leads us somewhere even better than we imagined. ?? What did you want to be when you grew up, and where did life take you instead? Share your journey in the comments! Don't forget to grab your tickets to our first annual Legacy Gala: https://lnkd.in/gxBjvUdM

Investing in high-quality early childhood education is not only a responsibility—it's a business necessity. The foundation of a strong workforce and thriving community begins before children even step into a classroom. By supporting early education, businesses can build a more resilient workforce, reduce long-term costs, and drive economic mobility. This investment strengthens both your business and the communities you serve. Visit: https://childstart.org/ to learn more.

For Councilwoman Becky Tuttle, a dedicated member of Child Start’s Board of Directors, the answer isn’t as simple as one career path. Her journey has been driven by passion for service and a commitment to making a difference in her community. When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she reflected on her ongoing journey and her focus on advocacy and teamwork. "I never really knew what I wanted to do when I grew up and that still might be the case! I know that I am the happiest and most productive when I am serving others. I strive to make Wichita be the best city in the world to live, learn, earn, play and I can only do that when I am part of a passionate team. I say each and every day that others are the experts, and I am the advocate for issues that I strongly believe in, including early learning!" Her dedication to service and her strong belief in the importance of early learning make her an incredible advocate for Child Start. We’re proud to have her on our team, working towards a brighter future for children and families in our community!

SAVE THE DATE! Less than 30 Days Until Camp GWC! The countdown is on! In less than 30 days, we will be kicking off an unforgettable experience at our 30th Annual Camp GWC Conference! We’re excited to announce that our Camp GWC t-shirts are now live and available for purchase on our website! Get yours before they’re gone! And here’s a fun twist: We are almost at 100 attendees! The 100th person to register will receive a FREE t-shirt as a special thank you for being part of this amazing event! Don’t wait – register today, grab your t-shirt, and get ready for an amazing time at Camp GWC on April 5th! Click here to Register/Purchase a T-Shirt: https://lnkd.in/g-HJNrU7

Today we are incredibly proud to showcase Anndria O'Beirne, MBA! Anndria is currently member of our Board of Directors and Chair of the Development Committee at Child Start. Her leadership, vision, and commitment to early childhood education have helped shape the future for so many families and children in our community. Anndria’s work on our Board and as Chair of the Development Committee plays a crucial role in advancing our mission and ensuring that every child has access to the resources they need for a strong start in life. When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, Anndria shared: "As a child, I aspired to be a lawyer, drawn to the idea of advocating for others and making a meaningful impact. While my path led me to a career in HR, I’ve found that my passion for supporting people remains at the core of my work. As a Board member in early childhood education, I am able to continue that focus by supporting an environment where educators can thrive, ensuring the best outcomes for children. In many ways, my role still fulfills that childhood aspiration by advocating for the well-being of educators and children." Join us June 24th to celebrate Anndria and others just like her at our first annual Legacy Gala: https://lnkd.in/gxBjvUdM

Today, we’re excited to highlight Mandi Waugh, the Early Childhood Connections CCR&R Program Director at Child Start! You might not guess it from this picture, but Mandi's childhood dream was to be a teacher. Inspired by her own educators, she developed a passion for creating positive change in the world of education. Now, Mandi’s focus is on empowering early childhood care providers, ensuring they have a solid foundation and the resources they need to effectively support and educate the children in their care. Her dedication shows that the heart of teaching goes far beyond the traditional classroom, embracing a variety of ways to nurture young minds. Join us at the Legacy Gala to celebrate Mandi and others who have embraced their unique paths. We encourage you to reflect on your own journey—what did you want to be when you grew up, and how have those dreams shaped your life today? Leave a comment. Grab your tickets at: https://lnkd.in/gxBjvUdM

Healthy habits begin early, and dental care is a vital part of that journey! GraceMed Health Clinic has been a dedicated partner with Child Start, providing essential dental screenings and fluoride treatments across all our sites. Their team works tirelessly to ensure that the children we serve receive the care they need to develop strong, healthy smiles right where they learn and grow. With more than 50% of children experiencing cavities by age 8, access to preventive care is crucial. Regular screenings and fluoride treatments play a significant role in reducing tooth decay and preventing future dental issues, helping to set children up for a lifetime of good oral health. Together, we’re making a lasting impact—one smile at a time! ???? To learn more, go to: https://childstart.org/

Change shapes the future, especially in early childhood education, where every moment matters. The Legacy Gala recognizes those who make a lasting impact—helping young children learn, grow, and thrive. Join us in celebrating their work. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gxBjvUdM #LegacyGala #EarlyEducation #CommunityImpact