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Our Staff

Dedicated & Certified

We have seasoned professionals with years of experience who work hard to keep our children engaged while enjoying weekly lessons.

All lead-qualified teachers have completed courses required by KDHE including CPR, First Aid, SIDS training, Sign of Neglect Abuse and Head Trauma, and Child Development as well as 12+ credit hours of further early childhood education courses each year. 

Valerie Halsey

I would like to tell you a little about myself.

I started out babysitting as a teen and got my first job in a child care center in '95 and worked to get my GED so I could provide a better life for my children.  I have worked at several child care centers in Wichita and after losing my parents, I decided to make them proud and returned to school to earn my associates in Child Development in 2018.  I later earned a position as a director at Family First Child Care and soon was offered a chance to purchase the center and I took it.

I love working with children and I get just as excited as them when they learn something new.  It is an honor to be able to help teach and mold our future leaders.  I now have over twenty-seven years of experience working with children, and believe myself to be hard-working.  

Valerie Halsey

Owner/Administrator 

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Mrs. Barbara

Where are you from? Iowa.  I lived in MN and have been in Wichita since '94

My Education: 

  • BS Elementary Education

  • Iowa State University

  • KCCTO Foundations, Conscious Discipline

  • First Aide - CPR Certified

How long have I been in Childcare? 

  • 25+ years 

  • Teaching/Childcare

Fun facts about me:  

  • 3rd out of 4 children

  • I worked at a daycare 5 minutes from the Mall of American when it opened in '92

  • BIG MN. Vikings fan!

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Mr. Benjamin

Where are you from? I'm from Winfield, KS.

My Education: â€‹

  • CPR Certified

  • Graduated from Dexter HS, '20

  • KCCTO Foundations, Conscious Discipline

  • First Aide - CPR Certified

How long have I been in Childcare? 

  • 2 years 

  • I practically raised my siblings

Fun facts about me:  

  • I play video games way too much

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Ms. Destinee

Where are you from? I am from Wichita

My Education: 

  • College

  • Social work and Child Care

  • KCCTO Foundations, Conscious Discipline

  • First Aide - CPR Certified

How long have I been in Childcare? 

  • 4 years 

Fun facts about me:  

  • I practice Yoga

  • I love Arts and Crafts/Painting

  • Enjoy time outside with my children

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Ms. Corine

Where are you from? I'm from Houston, Tx.

My Education: 

  • High School Graduate

  • KCCTO Foundations, Conscious Discipline

  • First Aide - CPR Certified

How long have I been in Childcare? 

  • 1 years

Fun facts about me:  

  • I love to spend time with my children.

  • Enjoy the mountains and going to car shows.

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Ms. Dana (Substitute Teacher)

Where are you from? Arkansas City, KS

My Education: 

  • Associates Degree

  • KCCTO Foundations, Conscious Discipline

  • First Aide - CPR Certified

Your Experiences with children?

  • Volunteered at church for Sunday School with children.

Fun facts about me:  

  • I love to scrapbooking and crafting

  • I lived in NJ for 9 years and love the beach!

  • My grandmother went to school with Mikey Mantel.

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Ms. Lisa

Where are you from? I am from Wichita 

My Education: 

  • High School

  • KCCTO Foundations, Conscious Discipline

  • First Aide - CPR Certified

How long have I been in Childcare? 

  • 30 years experience

Fun facts about me:  

  • I love to sleep and cuddle with my cat.

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Ms.Madison

Where are you from? I was born in Denville, NJ. but grew up in Arkansas City, KS.

My Education: 

  • High School Diploma

  • Iowa State University

  • KCCTO Foundations, Conscious Discipline

  • First Aide - CPR Certified

  • Will be graduating next year with my certificate in Early Childhood.

Your Experiences with children? 

  • A nanny for 3 years

Fun facts about me:  

  • I played travel softball for 10+ years

  • I love to travel!

  • I can not cross my eyes

  • I love to sing

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Ms. Kelli

Where are you from? Gardener, Kansas

My Education: â€‹

  • KCCTO Foundations, Conscious Discipline

  • Early Childhood Education Degree

  • First Aide - CPR Certified

How long have I been in Childcare? 

  • 7 years

Fun facts about me:  

  • I love to crochet and craft with my cricut.

  • I do side business in photography and bake goods.

  • I also have a mini golden retriver name Remi.

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