Saturday, June 29, 2024
Since its establishment in 2018, the Lil’ Elks Early Learning Center has been a major source for childcare services in Evant and in surrounding communities. Recently, the learning center was recognized for its efforts and contributions in the childcare field by being honored with a Torch Award.
The Torch Award is given by Workforce Solutions of Central Texas to honor excellence in multiple categories, showcasing the contributions of individuals and businesses in Central Texas. To be awarded with such an honor, one would have to show academic excellence and progress toward self-sufficiency, as well as modeling a professional work ethic, and that is what Lil’ Elks Early Learning Center Director Sandra Doyle did.
Doyle was the recipient of the award and is entering her seventh year as the director this upcoming school year.
“My mentor Rachael Meeks-Ennis of the Texas Rising Star Program informed me that Lil' Elks Early Learning Center had been nominated, and a few weeks later we were chosen,” Doyle said. “I am forever thankful for Rachael Meek-Ennis and another mentor Paula Barnes for believing in us and all the support they have given Lil' Elks Early Learning Center.”
Lil’ Elks Early Leaning Center received the Torch Award in late October 2023. The award ceremony was held at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center at the Torch Awards.
“I felt very honored when Lil' Elks was nominated; when I was told we would be receiving the Torch Award, I got teary eyed,” Doyle said. “I feel like all the amazing work we have done to improve our Center is being recognized and appreciated.”
Doyle shows her unwavering dedication to Lil' Elks Early Learning Center and is also proud to announce that the childcare center earned a four-star level rating in the Texas Rising Star Program in August 2023. This is the highest level a center can obtain.
“A small school with a childcare center is amazing and a blessing to our community,” she said.
Doyle has been in the education field for as long as she can remember. She first began as a teacher’s aide 10 years ago at Evant Independent School District and has now worked her way up to being the childcare director.
“I graduated from Evant in 1980, and it's a great feeling to be able to work at the school that did so much for me,” she said.
Doyle expressed that the best part about her job is being able to watch the children develop new skills and seeing the cutest smiles when they accomplish what they set out to do.
“When one of my former kiddos says to me, do you remember when we did a certain game or activity at your house or school, that makes my day,” she said.
Doyle starts each day by welcoming the children in the morning and helping them to prepare for the day. She takes on many responsibilities such as ensuring child records are up to date, scheduling staff training, as well as helping in both the infant-toddler room and in the three-to-four-year-old room.
“There is always something to be done and I love every minute of it,” she said. “I have an amazing group of ladies consisting of Neli, Jaymie, Elois, and Phyllis, that keep the children engaged in various activities throughout the day.”
“I have always loved children and helping them grow and learn; my job is a fun one and most days it doesn't feel like a job, and it's something special that makes me happy,” she said.
“I feel like I made an impact in their lives, and it makes it all worth it,” she said. “The hugs and "Hi Mrs. Sandra,” melts my heart.”
