For Ashley Anderson, she’s never had the thought, “is my child truly cared for when I’m not there,” when dropping off for childcare. Her son Graham has been growing with the EmBe Education – South community since he was just six weeks old, and over the years, that invaluable peace of mind has only grown stronger.
“As a working mother, there is no better peace of mind than knowing that you are able to focus on your career during the day because you know that your child is well taken care of.”
When Everyone Knows Your Child
One of the first things Ashley noticed about EmBe wasn’t just what happened in Graham’s classroom—it was what happened outside of it.
From teachers to administrators, people throughout the building know her son by name.
That level of connection matters deeply to her as a mom.
“It speaks volumes to me because it means everyone is invested in their roles within EmBe. There is a level of care that exceeds role responsibilities and comes from a true investment in each child and each family’s experience.”
Knowing that multiple people are watching out for Graham throughout the day gives Ashley an added layer of confidence.
“It communicates to me that he is being looked out for by everyone.”
For Ashley, one of the most reassuring parts of the day is something simple: staying connected.
Through the Procare app, she receives updates throughout the day about what Graham is learning, doing, and experiencing.
“I know which books he is reading, which songs he is singing, what he is eating, and generally whether he is having a great time.”
But the biggest indicator that Graham is thriving? He’s excited to go each day.
“The fact that he loves his teachers and calls them by name tells me he is so incredibly cared for—not just watched.”
Reinforcing the Values That Matter Most
Ashley and her family work hard at home to teach Graham kindness, awareness of others, and responsibility. What gives her peace of mind is knowing those same values are reinforced throughout his day. Through EmBe Education’s focus on character development within our curriculum model, Graham is learning how to be thoughtful toward classmates, care for his environment, and build positive relationships.
“The life skills we work so hard to teach him at home are being reinforced at EmBe and in his daily routines.”
That alignment between home and childcare creates a sense of consistency that Ashley deeply values.
Reliable Care That Supports Working Parents
Ashley’s family originally planned to place Graham in an in-home childcare setting when he was an infant. When those plans changed unexpectedly with little notice, they were suddenly searching for a new option, but our EmBe South team stepped in quickly to schedule a tour, and thankfully, there was an opening in the infant room.
That reliability has continued ever since.
Knowing that Graham’s care is stable and predictable allows Ashley to fully focus on her career during the day.
“Reliable care means that I am able to be fully present when I am at my job. I know I don’t have to worry about him because he is in the best hands.”
Even small details—like knowing holiday closures well in advance—make it easier for their family to plan ahead both professionally and personally.
Why Peace of Mind Matters
For Ashley, childcare isn’t just about schedules and logistics. It’s about the emotional weight that parents carry every day. Dropping your child off can be difficult. There are moments you know you’ll miss, but knowing Graham is learning, growing, and forming friendships makes those moments easier.
“It’s hard knowing you’re missing some memories during the day. But it also brings me peace of mind knowing he is creating his own memories, building friendships, and experiencing so much.”
That balance—pursuing a career you love while knowing your child is thriving—is something Ashley describes as invaluable.
For Ashley, the best childcare goes far beyond keeping children safe and fed. It means intentional learning, meaningful experiences, and a commitment to development that begins early.
At EmBe, Graham is building language skills through reading, exploring the community through field trips around Sioux Falls, and developing socially alongside his peers.
“There is such a commitment to education at EmBe that starts at an early age. I know he is at his current educational level because of what he experiences in the classroom.”
When asked what she would tell another parent trying to decide if investing in reliable childcare is worth it, Ashley doesn’t hesitate.
“Do it. Hands down the best decision we made for Graham was partnering with EmBe for his early childhood care and education.”
Through EmBe, Graham has been able to participate in additional activities like swim lessons and Soccer Sprouts, expanding his experiences beyond the classroom.
“The programming and development that EmBe offers is unmatched in my opinion.”
What Would Make Your Mom Heart Happy?
Every family is looking for something a little different when it comes to childcare. But for many parents, it comes down to the same core hope:
That their child is safe.
That they are loved.
And that they are growing into the person they are meant to become.
At EmBe Education, that’s the goal every single day.
If you’re exploring childcare options for your family, we invite you to take the next step.
Schedule a tour at one of our EmBe Education locations in Sioux Falls or Madison. Enroll today. And tell us what would make your mom heart happy—so together we can help your child thrive.