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Chenice,
During my diagnosis and the toughest days of my cancer treatments, you came along exactly when I needed you. You helped me process the fear and uncertainty, reminding me that bad news isn’t the end, and that there is hope even in hard times. You made time for genuine conversations, and your support carried me through when my sickness was at its hardest. You went above and beyond by doing my grocery shopping, your mom cooking delicious meals for me at my request, and arranging rides to my appointments. You even offered your home so that I would not be alone. Your selflessness and kindness have meant more to me than words can express.
Chenice, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being there, for lifting me up, and for showing me that I’m not alone on this journey.
Tiffany
Chenice,
Life has always had its challenges, and I’ve always looked at myself as one tough cookie, as my mom used to say. When I lost my mother, I also lost my best friend and caregiver. You stepped in with such care and encouragement, helping me find ways to stay busy- introducing hobbies and ideas to keep me moving forward. You brought laughter back into my days, especially when you would come to clean and I'd spin my chair to see if you were really trying to declutter! Your mom's delicious meals were a comforting touch that reminded me I wasn’t alone. It’s a true gift to know that, even in the hardest times, there are loving, kind people like you around to help me through. Thank you for being that light.
Dani
Chenice,
I can still remember calling you back in 2014 and sharing that a friend of mine was struggling with depression after losing her husband and son. You didn’t hesitate ~ if she wouldn’t mind, you were willing to come meet her. At first she was reluctant to talk, but once she met you, she welcomed you as her caregiver. You cared for her for nearly two years, arranging doctor appointments, taking her on enjoyable rides, helping with cleaning and preparing meals with your mother and husband’s support. I could go on, but the point is clear: you are one of a kind. Now, in 2023, my experience with you during my cancer diagnosis is another powerful testament to your extraordinary heart. When I confessed how scared I was, you reassured me that everything would be okay and that God doesn’t place more on us than we can bear. You attended doctor’s visits with me, helped with grocery shopping, picked up prescriptions, took me on outings, and reminded me that this isn't the end of the road. I love you always for being such a beautiful soul.
Mrs. Sylvia
Chenice,
I take pleasure in writing this message, you’ve done more for me than a parent could ever ask for in a daycare provider. To call you a daycare provider is an understatement. Snuggle and Smile is just that from the very first day I brought my daughter Donnae; to the last day. She and every child was greeted with, Good morning, a smiling face, hugs, warm in the winter, cool in the summer, good healthy breakfast prepared by mom-mom as the children referred to calling (your mother.) a clean bright environment and more importantly love, care and compassion.
Chenice my only regret is that I didn’t bring Donnae as an infant to your family daycare (S&S) In three years of Donnae being with you, I watched my daughter learn.Donnae: now knows how to write and spell her whole name, write/count in spanish 1-10, count 1-100, ABC’S, colors,shapes, recognize sight words, days of the week, months of the year, read a book, four seasons, five senses, tie her shoes, Donnae’s self esteem and confidence has heightened. You taught such valuable lessons such as “The word cant isn't allowed at S&S. YES I CAN IS…. Chenice you are more than a daycare provider. Your Aunt Niecy, to all the children, a mother to your own and a friend to the parents, I never once worried about leaving Donnae in your care. Whenever I received an unexpected phone call, no matter how big or small the situation you handled it professionally, you made me aware of everything from a cough to a scratch. In closing I just want you to know that your dedication will always be remembered.
Our appreciation goes out to the entire S&S Snuggle and Smile Family!
Donnae And Friends
Dear Chenice,
You can’t imagine how excited my family was when we saw Layla write her name. Only 3 months in daycare and she’s writing! I thought it was a major accomplishment when she could spell it and say her birthday, but this beats all. We are so grateful for your experience, care and most of all patience. Especially your patience. BJ’s potty training is coming along so well. Jaleel and I were a little nervous about the switch from the old daycare, but not anymore. We are so happy we came to the open house and placed them here. Thank you for all your hard work, love, and support for our children.
The Tabourn Family
Chenice,
I just want to thank you for your services thus far in helping raise my child. For the past year, I watched my child go from a new born baby to a toddler and her transformation of her growing into a toddler has been incredible. Not only does she love you so much, but she has learned so much from you. Her talking is so clear, her eating habits are good, she knows her letters, her name, her shapes, she knows all of her nursery rhymes, her table mannerism is very good, and she is just an overall happy and smart child. I want you to know that your hard work and diligence with my child is truly a delight to see.
From doing all the childcare shopping that I have done in the neighborhood, I’ve found that you are truly one of the best. I especially like that the daycare is always clean from front to back, always very organized, always smelling fresh, the children are always clean and they are always happy. I also love that you are very informative in keeping me abreast of everything that my child has learned and the new things that she is doing as she gets older. With her being with you from Monday through Friday almost 8 to 10 hours a day, and as a parent, this is a very important factor to me because she almost spends more time with you than she does with me and knowing that she is being loved, cared, nurtured and taught as if she was your own child, this is truly a blessing and I THANK YOU!!!
Chiquita Handy
April 2024
Dear S & S SNUGGLE & SMILE DAY CARE,
During Month of the Young Child, I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) for the profound impact you have had on the lives of Pennsylvania's youngest learners.
In the realm of education, your role as an early childhood educator is nothing short of extraordinary. You are not just a teacher; you are a guardian of curiosity, nurturer of creativity, and builder of the foundation upon which our children's futures are built. Your dedication, patience, and unwavering commitment to shaping young minds do not go unnoticed.
It's awe-inspiring to witness the care and passion you infuse into every lesson, every activity, and every interaction with your students. You create safe, stimulating environments where children feel valued, encouraged, and empowered to explore the world around them. Your ability to tailor educational experiences to meet the diverse needs of each child is a testament to your exceptional skills and deep understanding of early childhood development.
Beyond academic knowledge, you instill invaluable life skills and foster social-emotional growth, teaching our children how to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and navigate the complexities of the world with compassion and resilience. You plant seeds of curiosity and a thirst for learning that will continue to flourish throughout their lives.
Your impact extends far beyond the classroom walls. You play a vital role in shaping the future of our society by laying the groundwork for a generation of confident, empathetic, and intellectually curious individuals who will undoubtedly make meaningful contributions to the world.
Please know your tireless efforts do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. You are a champion of education, and your influence reverberates through the lives of the children you teach, their families, and the broader community. Your passion for early childhood education is both inspiring and contagious, and I feel immensely grateful to have you as a guiding force in the lives of so many.
As we celebrate the profound impact of educators like you, please accept my heartfelt thanks for all you do. Your dedication, expertise, and genuine love for what you do make a world of difference every single day.
With deepest appreciation,Shante A. Brown
Shante A. Brown, Deputy Secretary
PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning