Someone once said, “Teachers touch the future.” Renee Konter, early childhood teacher for ThedaCare, has spent her life working with children. For nearly 25 years, she has touched the lives — and the futures — of dozens of children in the Fox River Valley.
For the past 12 years, Renee has devoted her time to the youngest children who attend the ThedaCare Child Learning Center in Appleton. “I have fallen in love with this age group,” said Renee. “I knew early in my life that I wanted to work with children. Every day is filled with wonder and I’m so lucky to be doing something I love.”
ThedaCare uses a looping program which means that Renee spends three consecutive years with her students – from infant to three years. “It’s a wonderful program,” she continued. “We develop strong relationships with the children and their families. We become intimately vested in each child. We know when they’re having a good day or bad day. And we work closely with the families to make each day count. My favorite days are when the children learn something new that they can’t wait to share with their parents.”
Renee applauds ThedaCare’s approach to childcare. “We have a very homelike environment here, which is really good for the children,” she said. “Plus, our looping programs mean that the children have continuity of care during their time with us. ThedaCare believes in doing what’s best for the children, and that’s very important to me.”
If you’d like to join the childcare teaching staff at ThedaCare, Renee said it’s a top-notch facility and a great place to work. “We have good benefits and a wonderful staff. ThedaCare also believes strongly in continuing education and professional development, and they pay to make it happen.
