“This bonus means more to me than I can put into words. It makes me feel as though I’m being rewarded for all that I do, even at home; because many nights I take work home with me, so my job continues after the kids are gone and I spend more time working than I do getting paid. So this bonus is truly helpful in so many ways.” 
- Old Mission UMC Early Education Center, Jennifer Peery  

“It is such a privilege to guide and nurture young children during their early years. It is exciting, challenging and fun! What a kindness and wonderful blessing this workforce bonus is for us!  Thanks again for your guidance and direction with our Grant.” 
- Stony Point Christian Church Preschool, Valerie Stutz  

“We don’t get enough recognition.  You put in a lot of time, but you don’t get a lot back in return. You don’t make a lot in this field, we are here because this is what we love to do… we are leading the way with these kids and we don’t get the recognition for that.  Things are going to Capitol Hill, and it feels good to know that.” 
- Brilliant Beginnings, Chasity Watson  

“This is an amazing opportunity for our teachers. It shows the investment and commitment of the state toward early childhood educators. It also shows the State understands the importance of early childhood education.” 
- YMCA of Greater Wichita, Jackie Tanner, Program Director 

“A lot of our staff are happy to see that [bonus].  A lot of them have been here since day 1, and have been in child care in for 10-15 years. Our staff members think its amazing that they are being recognized.” 
- Adventure Time,  Maddie Mars

“I am super excited. People do not understand how much this is helping us. We are feeling appreciated, and some people make us feel bad and so having this is really making us feel so much better and valued. It makes us feel like the job we are doing is valued and that the hard work we are doing and how dedicated we are, and people actually appreciate us. I feel like this job goes very unappreciated. Things like this is making a huge difference.” 
- Bobbi Towles Day Care Home 

“This bonus is great for child care providers and really makes us feel seen and appreciated. It will be a great help!” 
- Baldwin Family Day Care Home, Cindy Schiffelbein