Caledonia Argus

Day Care Provider of the Year stresses fun and learning

Posted: 10/1/02

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

Bev Burmesterís days are a blur of kids, noise, toys, snacks, tears, diapers, runny noses, and lots of hugs and kisses. Itís been that way for about 15 years, and today, Bev says that she canít imagine being happy doing anything else. Her enthusiasm for her chosen career may be part of the reason that she was chosen as Houston Countyís Day Care Provider of the Year.

Bevís foray into day care began almost by accident. When some neighbors, Eric and Marilee Vogel, were looking for day care for their new baby. Bev was already home with her son Bob. The Vogels asked if she wanted to take care of their baby, and that was how it started. Shortly afterwards, she became licensed and began doing day care full-time.

No matter what time of day it is, Bev appears cheerful and energetic. She said she finds that if she isnít ìup,î the kids pick up on it and spend the day grumpy. But itís not a problem most of the time, because she enjoys the kids and enjoys her work so much.

ìI see myself doing it for quite a while,î said Bev. ìI donít know what I could do that would make me as happy.î

One of the most satisfying aspects of her job is forging long-term relationships with her families. She has been a day care provider for one family for 11 years, and the friendships between their children have lasted through the years. Many of the children she cares for have been together since they were babies. Some days, they argue like brothers and sisters, but for the most part they mind well and enjoy each otherís company.

Bev enjoys watching the children grow and learn how to do things for themselves. She also believes itís important to help the kids learn. She teaches them to print their initials so that they can identify which artwork is theirs. Bev also believes in the importance of fresh air, and the children play outside and go for walks almost every day. A favorite activity is to visit their neighbor, Mr. Johnson, and see the bird he has, including horses, chickens, roosters and peacocks. Their favorite was a peacock, and when the peacock lost its feathers, each child was excited to get a feather to take home. The kids also enjoy treks to the Sprague Woods nearby, where they fill their pockets with acorns.

Bev says that love and attention are the most important things she can give her day care kids. She also emphasizes the importance of teaching them their colors and numbers, how to mind, and how to be safe and do the right thing. If one of the children reaches a special milestone while at day care, whether itís taking a step or losing a tooth, she feels fortunate to be able to be a part of it.

ìItís real rewarding,î she said.

Running a family day care means that the whole family gets in on the work, said Bev. Daughter Jenna, who is in sixth grade, helps her out a lot, and has to give up a few things. Jennaís room is used for day care napping, and Jenna has never complained about it, said Bev.

ìI tell her to put her good stuff up high,î she said.

Bevís mom, who lives in La Crosse, helps out when Bev has extra kids.

As much as she loves her job, Bev is always happy to see the weekend come. Thatís when she moves all the ìkid stuffî into the playroom and closes the door. Her spare time is spent following her daughter Jenna and son Bob, a sophomore, in basketball. She also enjoys country music, fishing, cooking, shopping and spending time with her family.

The Houston County Day Care Providersí Association has been a wonderful resource, said Bev. Through the years, licensing requirements have become more stringent, and the association has responded by offering classes and support.

ìThe mentoring is important. We all stick together and depend on each other,î said Bev.

Bev said she is surprised that she was the recipient of this yearís award.

ìI was surprised because a lot of gals who are in this deserve it,î she said.

One of Bevís day care moms, Ann Schmitz, believes that the right person has been chosen.

ìShe is wonderful. She is like a second mother to our kids.î All six of the Schmitz children have been in day care with Bev, including four and a half year old triplets that Bev has been taking care of since they were 1 1/2.

ìShe definitely deserves this award,î siad Ann. ìThe kids love her, sheís like a part of the family.

She has a lot of love and she just gives, gives, gives.î

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