Ashli‘s Story: A Child Care Director’s Perspective

My name is Kayla Crowley, and I am the Community Engagement Specialist for the Child Care Division at the Workforce Solutions North Texas Board. We are conducting interviews with 4-Star Texas Rising Star directors. Since it is proven that quality childcare is crucial to the development of young children, we are trying to spread the word so that more childcare facilities, including licensed home providers, will adopt and implement Texas Rising Star (TRS) accreditation.

Numerous research studies have shown that children who attend higher quality childcare and early learning programs are more prepared for school entry than children who do not attend high-quality programs. (Texas Rising Star Certification Guidelines; A Quality Rating and Improvement System of Texas; Section 1, page 5)

If you are a director thinking to yourself, “Ok this sounds good, but at what cost?” The answer is, there is no cost. Workforce Solutions North Texas and its statewide Texas Rising Star program are here to help YOU become more successful in your field. Our mentors will help support you and your staff, including competitive reimbursement rates for Child Care Services children. The Child Care Services team is desperately looking for new facilities and in-home daycares to join us on our journey for better quality childcare.

I spoke with Ashli Fischer of Children Come First at First Christian Church in Wichita Falls in July. Ashli has been part of Children Come First for 12 years and been the director of the facility for two. She recently graduated from Midwestern State University with her degree in Early Childhood Education and has been able to implement what she has learned into her work. She prides herself on taking care of her staff and being involved in each classroom. In our interview, she stated that she makes sure to visit each class when she arrives each day to check on the teachers and kids before she does anything else. Ashli maintains a 4-star rating for her facility, and is very motivated and organized. Her number one priority is making sure that each child under her care feels like they are in a safe and secure environment. Not only does this ensure that the children are more successful in the long run, but it also gives parents peace of mind.

A few examples of what Texas Rising Star and Workforce Solutions North Texas have been able to provide for Ashli include:

• Frog Street Curriculum (free)
• One-on-one mentoring
• Playground equipment, including water tables, sand tables, and shade structures.
• Reimbursement for Child Care Services children
• 9 paid holidays per year

If you are a childcare facility or an in-home daycare and want more information about partnering with Workforce Solutions North Texas for the Texas Rising Star program, contact me today!