Atchison Child Care Association

This week, we celebrate the hearts behind the hugs, the helping hands, and the countless little moments that make childhood so special.

Our ACCA teachers do far more than teach letters, numbers, and songs—they comfort tears, cheer on first steps, listen to endless stories, and create a place where children feel safe, loved, and valued every single day. From tying shoes to wiping tears to celebrating every tiny milestone, their work is filled with patience, compassion, and a love that shines through in everything they do.

To our teachers: thank you for pouring so much of yourselves into the lives of our littlest learners. Thank you for the early mornings, the messy art projects, the silly dances, the stories read one more time, and the quiet moments of encouragement that children will carry with them for years to come.

The love and effort you give never go unnoticed. You are the steady hands guiding young hearts, the warm smiles greeting families each morning, and the foundation of so many beautiful childhood memories.
Our ACCA family is stronger, brighter, and more loving because of you. We appreciate you more than words can say.

Let us know below your or your child's favorite moment or me.ory with one of our amazing teachers! Let's give them some spark to make their day super bright!

What an honor to have served children for 58 years… So thankful we are celebrated in our city. What we do is life-changing and I’m proud of us!

March Teacher Spotlight!

Some stories begin right here in our halls and grow into something truly special.

Today, we celebrate a teacher who once walked through our doors as a child and now stands as a guiding light for so many others. From her early days as an aide to becoming a dedicated lead teacher with over 15 years of service, her journey is one of heart, hard work, and unwavering commitment. Megan, better known to her kiddos as Meggy, we celebrate you today!

Working with our 1st- and 2nd-graders, she brings energy, patience, and genuine care to every lesson. But her impact reaches far beyond her classroom; she builds meaningful connections with all of our students, creating a space where every child feels seen, valued, and supported.

She is also a trusted mentor to new teachers, always ready to lend a hand, share her wisdom, and lead by example. Her kindness and leadership help shape not only young learners but also the educators around her.

Her story reminds us that when you plant roots in a place filled with care, something beautiful will always grow. We are so proud to have her as part of our childcare family, then, now, and always for many more years to come.

Share below your or your child's favorite memory with Mrs. Megan (Meggy)

What a month of friendship! February brings with not just some much needed sunshine but sweetness as well. February is more than just the paper hearts and Valentine cards but from the friendships that bloom in our classrooms everyday.
We are celebrating kindness, connection, and the joy of being a good friend. from sharing treats at our Valentine parties exchanging cards, warm hugs our children are learning that friendship is built on caring words helping hands and thoughtful actions.
In circle time we learn about taking turns and listening to our friends, showing appreciation for those around us. These early lessons in compassion are seeds that will grow far beyond the classroom. As we gather for our Valentine activities we are reminded how lucky we are to have not only the love of your children but our community as well!
Big reminder our Chili fundraiser is tomorrow! We hope you got your orders in and we thank you so much for your support!

January brings a fresh beginning, a time to pause, reflect, and step forward with purpose. As we welcome the new year, we’re embracing the idea of “new year, new us” and all the promise it carries. This is a season for growth, teamwork, and recommitting to the values that make ACCA such a special place.

This year, we’re focusing on what it means to be an A-Team player.

In our classrooms, that means children learning to help one another, take turns, listen, and work together toward shared goals. It looks like encouraging a friend who is struggling, celebrating each other’s successes, and understanding that everyone plays an important role. Through daily routines, group activities, and play, our children are discovering that being part of a team builds confidence, empathy, and strong friendships.

Our teachers model this same A-Team spirit every day supporting one another, sharing ideas, and creating classrooms where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to try new things. When children see teamwork in action, they learn that cooperation and kindness are just as important as individual achievement.

We’re also excited to begin the year with one of our favorite traditions: our Annual Chili Supper Fundraiser! This warm winter event brings our community together to support an exciting goal...a new school-age playground! The school-age kids have watched the other playgrounds get a makeover, and in 2026, it's their turn! Every bowl of chili or chicken noodle soup and every helping hand brings us closer to creating a space where our older children can climb, explore, and grow together.

A new year reminds us that when we show up as A-Team players, children, families, and staff, we can build something truly meaningful. Thank you for being part of our team and for starting this year with us, united and ready for all that’s ahead.

The decorations may be coming down, but the warmth of Christmas still lingers here. After the rush and sparkle, we slow our steps and carry forward what matters most—the kindness, the togetherness, and the joy that filled our days.

In our after-holiday classrooms, children return with stories to tell, smiles to share, and hearts still glowing from the season. We unwrap the simple gifts Christmas leaves behind: friendship, routine, laughter, and the comfort of familiar faces.

This is the quiet beauty after the celebration—the gentle reminder that the spirit of Christmas doesn’t end with the holiday. It lives on in helping hands, patient moments, and the way we care for one another every single day.
From our school family to yours, we hope you had an amazing holiday, we can't wait to hear all about it!

Together in December

As the weather turns chilly and winter settles in, our classrooms are filled with the warmth that comes from working, playing, and learning together.
This month we celebrate what it means to do all these things and grow side by side. When little hands help zip up a friends coat, lend a helping hand during clean up, or to build and create with our imaginations, they are learning that togetherness is what keeps our hearts warm, even when the air outside is cold.
Winter reminds us that we need one another, just like snowflakes we are all unique in our own special ways but when we come together we are powerful like a blizzard.
Here at ACCA together means teamwork, kindness, laughter and care. It’s how we make each day brighter!

Teacher Spotlight!

This week, we celebrate one of the most dedicated teachers who brings their magic to ACCA. Mrs. Harden!

Mrs. Harden is one of our shining stars leading the way in our Kindergarten readiness preschool program. Who has shared multiple decades of laughter, learning, and love within our walls.
For 39 years, she has guided little hands, comforted worried hearts, and helped countless children take their very first steps in discovery!
Her classroom is a place of warmth and wonder, where songs fill the air, imagination blooms, and every child is seen, heard, and most importantly valued. She is the teacher that you remember most when you grow up.
Beyond her work with children, she is a mentor and friend to her fellow teachers, a steady source of wisdom, kindness, and calm. Whether she’s sharing ideas, lending a hand, or simply offering a word of encouragement, her presence reminds us all what it means to teach with both head and heart.
Please join us in thanking this extraordinary educator for her years of service, leadership, and compassion.

Share with us below your favorite memory or moment with Mrs. Harden!

Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our country with courage, strength, and love.
To all the heroes — past and present — we thank you for your dedication and sacrifice.

Teacher Spotlight!

This month, we will start a new tradition of highlighting two teachers a month. Giving thanks and love to the amazing human beings who fill our lives and to the children who bring joy, laughter, and love.
Our first spotlight of the month is Mrs. Strieby!

Mrs. Strieby began ACCA 57 years ago! She is a smart, tough cookie who shows up every day for the children. She offers a listening ear, a quiet contemplation, and a role model for all.
As we celebrate another month gone by, another month of nurturing growth, we pause to honor the woman who started it all, the woman who planted the very first seeds of our childcare family back in 1968.
Her dream began with a simple but powerful belief: that every child deserves a safe, loving place to learn, laugh, and belong. With a heart full of compassion and a mind devoted to the children in her care, she opened our doors with just a handful of students and a vision that would bloom for generations to come!
With her degree, Mrs. Strieby built more than just a program; she built a home away from home. Her gentle yet strong spirit, patient guidance, and unwavering love laid the foundation for ACCA and everything we strive to be today. Her dedication continues to inspire us. She greets each child with warmth, teaches with joy, and reminds us that the work we do not only shapes the minds but also the hearts.
Today, we look back on her legacy and give thanks for her vision and her love, which continue to fill these halls. Here's to the woman who started it all; her love continues to grow with every person who walks through these halls.

Share with us your favorite Mrs. Strieby moment below!