Woodbury Woman Named 2013 Family Child Care Provider of the Year

The Washington County Board on Tuesday recognized Laurie Mondry, of Woodbury, and Michele Acker, of Forest Lake, as Family Child Care Providers of the Year for 2013.

Mondry’s childcare program is called Laurie’s Little Angels.

Licensed for 13 years, Mondry is a member of the Minnesota Licensed Family Child Care Association and is working toward accreditation for her program.

She initially started her childcare business 13 years ago so she could be home with her two sons.

Mondry’s nominator said: “Laurie has created a family environment in which all children look out for each other. She encourages the children to use their manners and treat others with respect. When my children are at home and playing with a friend, I have noticed that they are better able to share and compromise, and these are skills that they are practicing while at Laurie’s day care.”

Mondry also provides healthy foods during meals and at snack time, and the children she cares for exercise daily, inside or outside.

A nominator also noted another lesson from Mondry’s care: “Laurie strives to teach the children to become independent with their self-care skills and ready for school. Both of my children’s teachers have commented on how well my children can manage their winter weather clothing on their own.”

Washington County typically recognizes two family childcare providers in conjunction with the Minnesota Licensed Family Child Care Association’s (MLFCCA) conference.

Community members nominate providers; the applications are reviewed by an ad hoc committee from the Washington County Child Care Council with representation from the MLFCCA.

Requirements for potential family childcare providers of the year are:

• have been in the field for at least three years;
• promote quality child care as a profession and in the community;
• meet annual state training requirements;
• have a positive impact on the lives of the young children; and
• demonstrate professional skills in child care.