Our program
We are a non-profit training enrichment program formed to encourage the lives of young children by working with the caregivers, parents and community programs who affect their lives. Our program is part of the state child care training system and is designated to serve Brown, Campbell, McPherson, Walworth, Edmunds, Faulk, Potter, Spink, Marshall, Day, Corson, Zeibach and Dewey counties in Northeast South Dakota
Our Staff
Early Childhood Partners at Presentation College is staffed with over 90 years of cumulative early childhood experience that includes family child care, center base care (infant/toddler through school age), Preschool, and Head Start.
Suzy Braun-Program Coordinator
Email at: Suzanne.Braun@presentation.edu
LuAnn Myhre-Resource Specialist
I was born and raised in Veblen, SD. I have always been involved in the lives of young children to some degree. Being the very late addition to a family of 7, I was always playing with or taking care of my siblings’ children and babysitting in our community. I am married and have three adult sons, with the additions of three daughter-in-laws and three grandchildren. I graduated from LAVTI in Watertown as an LPN and have held various nursing positions in Aberdeen. I returned to college as a non-traditional student and graduated from NSU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology. I was certified as a Parent Educator through the March of Dimes and the Parents as Teachers Program, and was very fortunate to be part of the staff for the S.D. pilot program for Parents as Teachers here in Aberdeen. I am entering my 10th year here at Early Childhood Partners where I provide Early Childhood Enrichment trainings, am a CDA trainer and mentor, provide Vision and Hearing Screenings, and am part of the Quality Improvement Project for Infants and Toddlers.
Email at:: LuAnn.Myhre@presentation.edu
Lori Schocker-Out-of-School Time Specialist
I was born and raised in South Dakota in the small town of Mellette near Aberdeen. I went to NSU for my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Ed and Early Childhood. I Married and had twin boys in 82 and another son in 86, moved to Summit SD to teach Kindergarten and Preschool for 11 years, I moved to 2nd grade for 4 years. During these years I went back to NSU and completed my Masters degree in Elementary Classroom teaching. I lost my husband to Cancer in 91 and remarried in 96, had another boy in 97. I moved back to Mellette and worked for 1 year in HS Special Education and realized my love was with younger children and those that worked with them. I started working at Early childhood partners in 2004. I have been here 4 years as the OST Specialist, I also teach CDA and Child Care Orientation Classes, take care of the web page and the newsletter. I am now a Grandmother and enjoying that role in life. I hope to use my training not only in the classes I teach but in my own family as my grandchildren are being raised.
Email at:: Lori.Schocker@presentation.edu
Wendy Ward-Office Administrator
I grew up in the southeast part of North Dakota. I graduated college from North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, North Dakota with a degree in Secretarial Specialist. I was married in May 1997 and had my first daughter Kendra Lynn in May 1998. I then got remarried in August 2004 moved to South Dakota and started my job here with Early Childhood Partners as their Office Administrator. I was blessed with a son, Dawson Donald in August 2005. I am also a Certified Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician with the Project 8 program.
Email at:: Wendy.Ward@presentation.edu
Sara Jensen-Infant/Toddler Specialist
A little about myself…
I was born, raised and still live in rural South Dakota. I left our state to attend college at North Dakota State University where I obtained a degree in Child Development. I then moved across the Red River to attend Moorhead State University and obtained my second degree in Elementary Education. My career took me back to my hometown of Britton where I owned and operated a group family day care for 6 years. Lucky Ducky Day Care offered care for children 6 weeks to 6 years. It was during my day care career that I was offered the opportunity to attend West Ed. Infant/Toddler Trainings. I readily agreed and was on my way to becoming a certified Infant/Toddler trainer. In 2001, I was married and gave up my day care career. This same year, I came on staff at Early Childhood Partners to teach CDA. In 2004, I had my first daughter, Katie Rose. I then became a part time employee at ECP. In 2006, I had twin girls, Emily Jean and Anne Marie. Life is busy, but being a mom is what I enjoy most. I have found that I can integrate lots of my training into my home life and lots of my home life into my trainings.
Email at:: Sara.Jensen@presentation.edu
Rhonda Swanson-CDA Specialist
I’ve cared for children in some capacity my entire life, as an older sister, a childcare provider, a teacher, a center director, and most importantly, as a mother. My husband Doug and I have two daughters; Leah, 17, and Hannah, 14. I’ve spent the last 25 years serving young children, and while I have a double B.M.E from Northern State University, I feel I’ve learned more from children (especially my own!) than I’ve ever “taught” them. I have always truly enjoyed children—I love their fresh perspective on life, their recognition of what’s really important, and their honesty in expressing their true feelings. When children are around, we’re all better people—less self-absorbed and self-centered, and more loving, gentle, and giving. I believe that teaching and caring for young children provides daily satisfaction and a sense of hope for the future. Please let me know if I can help you in any way—children and families benefit from all you do!
Email at:: Rhonda.Swanson@presentation.edu
Roberta Goldade-Child Car Seat Specialist
Email at:: Roberta.Goldade@presentation.edu