Jennifer Baumann

Instead of focusing solely on a standard curriculum, Jennifer uses the relationships she builds with her children, along with observations, to determine what needs to be done for each child. She allows for the children to learn through play and experience, even using the environment as a separate teacher. The children stay active and outside as much as possible.

Through family-style meals, all the children are involved in meal time, providing another opportunity for relationship building and learning. They plan menus, help cook, serve themselves, and work on using real utensils from an early age. At meal times, an enthusiasm for food is role modeled where taste, texture and sight are all discussed. Jennifer abides by the theory that when you are serving and discussing good, nutritious food, eventually the kids will eat it.

Jennifer works to establish relationships within the CACFP child care community as well. She serves as the Co-President of the Panhandle Area Child Care Services, Member at Large for the Nebraska State Association, and maintains a Facebook support page. These are important relationships because everyone has something different to offer. As a child care provider, Jennifer feels she needs to continually learn from others and works to improve herself and what she offers as a provider.