She’s new to the job, but Breanna Babcock’s coworkers at Kidz Clubhouse, a west Wichita child care center, feel like she has already been there forever.

“The lead teachers and owners say she is a wonderful addition to the team, and that she is fantastic with the kids,” said Laura Mays, Community Employment Specialist.

Babcock is an assistant to the lead teacher and works between 30 and 40 hours per week, including helping out during field trips, reading to and playing with the students, and serving lunch and cleaning up.

Although she had some babysitting experience, Babcock worked hard to acquire the skills needed to work in a licensed child care program. “Starkey’s Supported Employment team helped her gain a certificate in CPR/First Aid and she completed 18 hours for a certificate of completion in the Foundations for Safe and Healthy Early Care Facilities Module from Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities,” Mays said. “Breanna was a member of Project SEARCH after obtaining her high school diploma, and she interned at various places, including a working ranch and the county courthouse.

“She absolutely loves her job at Kidz Clubhouse. We are so proud of her and the hard work she put into getting and keeping her position!”