Robin Wentz

Robin Wentz is the only nationally accredited childcare provider in Warsaw other than the state sponsored childcare center, Head Start. She has been a childcare provider for more than 25 years.

Nationally accreditation takes a lot of time and commitment for children. Wentz emphasizes being nationally accredited provides a much better environment for the children.

Having a nationally accredited care giver provides the children with a low child/teacher ratio, small group sizes, provides positive teacher/child interaction, provides age appropriate activities for the children, good health and safety practices are used and being accredited is higher than standard licensing.

Childcare can be expensive, especially for quality childcare. Wentz noted there are options for low-income families to be able to afford quality childcare. The state allows vouchers, which will cover the cost of childcare from a nationally accredited childcare provider.

Wentz had to go through an extensive process to become nationally accredited. The first accreditation Wentz achieved was the Paths To Quality, Indiana’s Childcare Quality Rating and Improvement System.

The program consists of four levels. If the childcare provider has already been licensed, they are moved on to level two automatically. After the second and third level are completed, rewards are given.

After each level is completed, the childcare provider is rewarded with $300 toward toys for the children. After level four is complete, the childcare provider is awarded $500 for completing the program. Wentz went through the Paths To Quality program and the process of becoming nationally accredited. Each program allocates a mentor to help the childcare provider through the process so they don’t have to handle the program alone.

Wentz is the owner and operator of Happy Hands Childcare in Warsaw.