Posted: 10/15/04
By MaryHelen Swanson
She bakes a batch of cupcakes, cuddles a little one in need of some special time and calls out to the back yard to see if another youngster is feeling okay. She heard he had a tummy ache.
Five days a week Beth Privratsky has a flock of children around her and that makes her happy.
And now, as the 2004 Chisago County Child Care Provider of the Year, sheís getting a well-deserved moment of recognition.
Privratsky has provided care to children in Chisago County for eight years, before that she cared for children for six years in Washington County.
Itís probably safe to say she loves children.
On Aug. 25 she was recognized as the Provider of the Year by the county commissioners. Last Saturday she was honored at a banquet at the state level for the dedicated care she provides each day to children who are not her own.
When she received the nomination notice, Privratsky first thought, ìWhy me, Iím not so special.î
But then she realized that child care providers are special.
ìMy next thought was, ëyea, I work hard. I am here for all my parents and day care children, I do deserve to at least be considered.íî
She thinks more day care providers should be honored for their commitment and love of the occupation, and for the love they show to the children in their care.
Privratsky welcomes children into her Stacy home before school, all day and after school. She also cares for children in the summer.
She serves two meals and a snack. She provides comfort for the tears, encouragement for learning and patience for the demanding.
ìWhen a child needs a hug, I am there to give them a hug.î
ìWhat makes my day care unique are the kids that make up my day care, first and foremost, each one brings a special gift within themselves that they share with us each day.î
One child, she said, helps them all remember that it is important to be nice to family and friends. Another child, a more active youngster, helps keep the day care on task.
The children in her care learn about appreciating differences in each other. An infant and toddler in her care helps them to learn gentleness and the importance of keeping little ones safe.
Privratsky offers a safe, consistent and respected atmosphere, but with a flexible schedule.
She tries to make her home the childrenís home while they are with her. And thatís a big order when you have as many as 14 youngsters in your care.
Privratsky appreciates the support of the parents, but also relies on a network of resources if she has concerns about child behavior.
She is licensed with the county and she might call upon others in the area child care provider system to discuss issues as they arise. She is well-trained and continually takes more classes.
ìThe thing about training is that you feel better about yourself and what you have to offer as far as keeping yourself in tune with your day care. They give you a new lift and youíre ready to start again the next day with a refreshed outlook and maybe a new concept to try.î
Privratskyís goal has remained the same as when she began caring for othersí children 14 years ago:
ìIf I havenít done anything else in my day, year or lifetime, I would hope that I have made a difference in a childís life ... and that they learn to respect and love life, and continue to grow to do good things in life.î
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