Chisago County honors child care provider of the year

By Danielle Strenke
Susan Tower is quiet when it comes to talking about herself. But the parents who entrust her with their children have so many good things to say about her, she is being honored by Chisago County for her dedication.
Tower was chosen in April as the Child Care Provider of the Year in Chisago County. Two of the parents bringing their children to Towerís in-home day care had written letters nominating Tower for the honor.
Nominations include statements about why the parents feel their child care provider should receive this award. ìMy childrenís positive attitude toward day care is the best indicator of our familyís feelings regarding our provider. She genuinely loves my children and they feel loved by her,î one parent said.
Tower runs a day care out of her home in Wyoming, caring for 13 children ranging in age from 22 months to 11 years.
She started the day care almost nine years ago before she had children of her own. Some people are surprised that she had the day care before having kids, Tower said. ìThey assume one of the reasons people start a home day care is to be with their own kids. I did day care first to get the practice,î she joked.
Since then, Tower has had two children, now ages 5 1\2 and 2 and is expecting her third in December.
Tower said the kids coming to her day care are like her extended family. ìA few kids have been coming for seven or eight years,î she said. ìWeíre like a big family.î
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During the nomination process, Tower told the county her role is to partner with parents to raise their children. She also said parents have entrusted her with their most precious gift ñ their children.
Her day care, called ìLove and Learn Family Child Care,î includes a preschool curriculum program, music and dancing and circle time as some of the daily activities. The kids also spend a lot of time outside, going for walks and playing, Tower said.
Most important, she said, is the kids have time to just be kids. ìWith my program I believe the kids need balance between structure and free play,î she said. ìBoth are equally important. Free play allows them to use their imagination.î
Tower is a licensed provider through Chisago County Health and Human Services. Law requires licensed providers to complete training in SIDS risk reduction, child-related first aid and CPR. She has completed 152 hours of training in the last five years, and serves as president of the Child Care Provider Network of Chisago County. She plans to become a mentor through the Minnesota Licensed Family Child Care Association.
ìAs a child care provider I will never be done learning,î Tower said.
Her dedication to self-improvement in her field and love for the children she cares for is evident.
One parent said, ìI find our provider to be one of the most loving, caring persons I have ever met, and I feel as though I am one of the luckiest people in the world to have her as my child care provider.î
Tower said she surprised and excited to find out she had received the award. Her husband, who owns a remodeling business, is very proud of her, Tower said. ìHeís always been supportive.î
The county officially recognizes Tower as provider of the year this week, Oct. 6-12, the Week of the Licensed Family Child Care Provider. Tower will also be recognized at the Minnesota Licensed Family Child Care Association conference this weekend along with honorees from across the state.
Her philosophy on child care is simple. ìMy goal is to let every child know they are special.î

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