Shelly Platz, director of Stepping Stones Child Care Center, 1100 Wakarusa Drive, joins Victor Shenouda as he eats his lunch Monday. Parents of children who have attended the non-profit child care center are celebrating Platz's 25 years of working with Stepping Stones.
Shelly Platz is the one the kids seek to pull a loose tooth or remove a splinter.
For these and other reasons, Platz has many pint-sized fans.
"She's beautiful," said 4-year-old Jason Bennett. "I love to hug her."
The director of the non-profit Stepping Stones Child Care Center, 1100 Wakarusa Drive, is celebrating 25 years of working with children.
The kids will show their love in many ways this week. Today, they'll come to the center with wild hair-dos. On Friday, they'll wear Kansas University colors.
Parents say the festivities are a way to recognize the woman who has given more than 900 Lawrence kids a stable, warm, fun place to go for years.
"That kind of longevity is very, very unique, and it's what makes Stepping Stones special," said Amy Phalen, a parent and member of the school's board of directors.
The center serves about 110 children. Another 140 are on a waiting list.
Platz started her career as a teacher's aide at the Infants and Toddlers Center operated by KU. When it closed, she formed Stepping Stones. It employs eight full-time staff members and 50 part-time staff. A board of directors, made up of parents elected to two-year terms, plays an advisory role.
Platz has seen children grow from babies into adults. Some former students now work at the center.
Each day in those 25 years has been unique, she said. Working with children ensures there is never a dull moment. Nor is there too much stress. If you're down, just spend time with a child, Platz has been known to say.
"Memories are just endless," she said. "With kids, it's just never-ending good times."
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