Program Philosophy

I am excited to be a member of the team at the Flagstaff Family Day Homes. My role is to support and challenge the Educators who offer high quality childcare, be successful business owners and prioritize wellness and collaboration. As Agency Coordinator, I have a full understanding of the current Family Day Home Standards established by the Alberta Government and prioritize meeting the needs in our unique rural setting. I hold a Bachelor Degree of Management and a Bachelor Degree of Education. This blend of training and experience allows me to support the Educators from multiple angles to continue operating their successful day homes. My family and I enjoy acreage living in Flagstaff County. We are an outdoor centered family and are participants in many of the organizations and facilities hosted in our county. 

My name is Cherise Backen. I am the agency Home Visitor. I try to visit each day home once a month and support Cheryl, the Agency Coordinator, whenever possible. I have been a part of Flagstaff Family Day Homes for the past 13 years in a variety of capacities including Agency Coordinator for 6 years, an active board member for several years even though my children did not require childcare anymore, and most recently the Home Visitor. I continue to be passionate about early learning and providing quality childcare to families in our area. I received my Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta.  In addition to my role with the agency, I teach preschool in Viking and kindergarten in Sedgewick. My experience and knowledge allows me to support the educators and be compassionate about the challenges and rewards of working with young children. My three children and I reside in Sedgewick. We love to spend time in the mountains, play games, and walk with our dog Maggie.

Shauna has been an approved educator since September 2011. Shauna, her husband, Russell, and their daughter, Charlie reside in Sedgewick. In 2014, Shauna was successful in completing her Early Learning and Child Care Certificate through Lakeland College. Shauna is a warm, patient, and sensitive day home educator. She strives to engage the children in age appropriate activities that foster their growth and development. Any child would be lucky to spend time in Shauna’s day home. 

​Ryelee was approved in November 2022 as a licensed day home. Ryelee has lived in Killam her entire life, leaving only briefly to receive her Early Learning and Child Care Certificate from Red Deer College. Ryelee is an active volunteer in the community. Ryelee’s home is set up for children of all ages to enjoy indoor and outdoor play. Ryelee looks forward to getting to know new families in Flagstaff County. 

Chelsea was approved at the end of May 2016 but wanted to take the opportunity to complete her Child Development Assistant (Level 1 Early Childhood Education Certificate) prior to accepting children into care beginning in September 2016. Chelsea and her son, Memphis reside in Hardisty. Chelsea has volunteered with Apple School Programs, Clothes for Kids, Police Cadet Program and has also coached T-ball. Chelsea became a day home educator in order to stay home with her son while still being able to support her family. Her home is set up with a variety of toys for the children to play with, in addition to a well equipped enclosed play space outside. Chelsea is fortunate to have a community park close to her home as well.

Hello! My name is Shelbee. I am a born and raised Killam gal and just moved back home in summer of 2023. I grew up baby sitting many of the children in this community as a young girl and teenager so you could say my love for children has been with me for a lifetime. I have a diploma in Early Learning and Child Care and have worked in a variety of child care settings such as daycare and play school. My most recent position was at Flagstaff Kids Connection Daycare as the Coordinator in between the births of my two youngest kids! My wonderful family includes my husband, Justin and our 3 young children who are the light of my life and the very reason for why I have decided to open up a day home. With the support of my husband, we felt that this was an amazing opportunity for our family. We love that I can earn an income while spending time with our children and also provide a safe and fun environment not only for them but for yours, too. We enjoy getting outside to enjoy the beautiful weather whenever possible and letting the kids lead the way in their learning and exploration. I look forward to our new adventure and can’t wait to meet you and your kiddos.