The first week of May was Teacher Appreciation Week, giving us the chance to celebrate those who show up each day to care for and shape young minds. At Child Saving Institute (CSI), celebrating our teachers goes beyond one week; it is integral to the culture of our Child Development Centers.
CSI’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) is more than high-quality childcare and curriculum. It is about relationships, community and deep appreciation for the teachers who show up for children and families every single day. One powerful example of that is the Family Impact Team.
When Anna Dwyer enrolled her first child at the A.W. Clark Child Development Center, she quickly recognized the exceptional care her child received. She then saw an opportunity for families to give back to the teachers who make that care possible. With the support of other parents, Dwyer founded the Family Impact Team.
“We wanted to build these teachers up because they’re with our kids all day, every day,” Dwyer said.
Dwyer said she was inspired by the dedication and care she saw from CSI teachers each day as they nurtured her child and so many others. The Family Impact Team was created to offer consistent, meaningful support to the teachers who create safe, enriching environments for children during some of their most important developmental years.
The group’s efforts range from simple gestures to larger initiatives. Activities include coffee and donuts, celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week, fundraising events like book fairs and helping teachers supply their classrooms with new materials for enhanced learning opportunities.
“The goal of the Family Impact Team is really to support teachers and show them the appreciation they deserve,” Dwyer said.
Over time, the Family Team has also helped cultivate a strong sense of connection among families. That sense of community has encouraged more parents to become involved, including Kristy Kunkel.
Kunkel joined the Family Impact Team after her first child began attending A.W. Clark. She said the quality of care she experienced motivated her to give back through involvement with other parents.
“I feel so lucky to have such trustworthy and just amazing teachers. I feel so confident dropping my children off that I want to be able to give back in any way,” Kunkel said. “I’m just so grateful for CSI and having such a great place to send my children. I want to be able to give back in any way I can.”
CSI staff say the Family Impact Team plays an important role in strengthening relationships between families and educators. ECE Senior Specialist Brooke Lewandowski said she appreciates the collaborative efforts of the Family Impact Team.
“The Family Impact Team has been a great way for us to include families in what is going on at our center,” Lewandowski said. “I enjoy meeting with the parents and getting their thoughts and ideas of ways we can improve and what they enjoy.”
For Dwyer, the group reflects the long-term relationships built at CSI. Teachers often work with families for years, caring for multiple children as they grow and gain siblings.
“It’s just like a big family,” Dwyer said. “These teachers have been with me for over six years between my oldest and my youngest. They’ve seen my kids grow up.”
Kunkel echoed the feeling of connection.
“CSI does a great job of building community,” Kunkel said. “Parents feel connected.”
Through the Family Impact Team, Dwyer and Kunkel have watched other parents step up in generous ways. Those moments reinforce the purpose of the group and the value families place on the teachers who care for their children.
“I’m proud of the generosity I see when we are putting together opportunities to celebrate the teachers,” Kunkel said. “It’s really impactful.”
While the Family Impact Team continues to grow, it also faces the natural challenge of change as children move on to kindergarten. Keeping new families engaged is key to sustaining the group’s mission.
“Our biggest goal is to just keep the Family Impact Team on track,” Dwyer said. “As kiddos get older and move into kindergarten, we have to find new parents who care about creating that community within our Childhood Development Centers.”
For families considering CSI or early childhood educators looking for a supportive, collaborative workplace, the Family Impact Team offers a clear picture of the culture within CSI’s ECE programs. It is a place where teachers are valued, families are engaged and children thrive because of the strong relationships surrounding them.
“I’m so proud to say that my kids go to CSI,” Kunkel said.
To learn more about the programs for children and families at CSI, visit childsaving.org.
If you’re an educator looking to take the next step in your career, join CSI!
