Sherri Reese, Child Care Center Coordinator
Email Sherri Reese | 620.879.2748
I am the Child Care Center Coordinator of Delaware Child Development. I have a Bachelors Degree in Child Development from Concordia University. I have been working with families and children since 2000 and with our program since 2001. My philosophy working with children is that everyday experiences offer learning opportunities. We as educators need to offer the opportunity for children to expand upon prior knowledge and skills by planning purposeful play experiences. Children learn through hands on experiences not by examples. Brain development research has proven the importance of early learning experiences for children and those early learning experiences focus on the process instead of the end result or product of the children’s daily experiences. Our centers offer this type of learning environment by planning purposeful play experiences within their weekly lesson plans. By offering this type of learning environment we are developing life long learning skills.
I am avid about building positive relationships between families and educators. Research support the fact that parents are children’s first and most influential teachers, recent studies show that when families are involved in their children’s education in positive ways, the children achieve higher grades and test scores, have better attendance at school, complete more homework, and demonstrate more positive attitudes and behaviors (National Association for the Education of Young Children, 1999). It is vital that educators and parents build positive connections and bridge the learning experiences between home and early child care centers for the benefit of the child. With parents and educators working together we can provide the best learning experiences for children.
Ronda Shepherd, Adminstrative Assistant
Email Ronda Shepherd | 918.337.6503
My name is Ronda Shepherd, I've been with DCD since April 2007. I am the Administrative Assistant for the Executive Director.
I was born in Pawhuska Oklahoma, where I was raised on my grandparents ranch until I turned 13, then we moved to Bartlesville. I graduated in 1981 from Sooner High School.
I was a stay at home mother of two terrific children, Tosha who continuing her education in early childhood education. She has given me two wonderful grandsons: Randall and Michael. My son Richard has a career in the hospitality industry. He has given me a precious grandson: Mason. My children and grandchildren are the light of my life. I have been lucky enough to find my life partner, Allen. We enjoy fishing, gardening, collecting pocket watches, clocks and antique cars.
I decided to further my education in 1999 by attending Tri County Technology Center for Computer Technology and Business Administration Majoring in Accounting.
I have always felt that our greatest assets are our children. We need to nuture our children as they grow, keep them safe from harm, teach them about our history and support them as they grow and mature into adulthood. As we are the ones they will always turn to for advise and guidenance.
CeAnn Munkirs, Accounting
Email CeAnn| 918.337.6511
Brittney Johnson, Marketing & Administration
Email Brittney | 918.337.6504
I stared working with Delaware Child Development in September 2009. I love my job; Marketing/Public Relations is my passion. I am also the administrative assistant to our Executive Director, Sherry Rackliff. I graduated from Oklahoma Wesleyan University with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing (May 2009). I'm originally from Peaster, Texas, but have since made Bartlesville my home. I love working with children. In college I spent three years directing the childcare program at my church and one year nannying. I do not have children of my own, but I have a sweet (spoiled) dog--Maggie.
Although I do not have the opportunity to interact with them on a daily basis, I love that my job directly affects the children our centers care for! I am especially excited for our new Intergenerational Center (Bridging Connections) and the positive impact it will have in our community. Currently, I am working on organizing a 5k run in March of 2010 to raise awareness for Bridging Connections. We are hoping for this to become an annual event!