Dear prospective parent:
I am writing to express my sincere recommendation of Shelley Stackpole as an outstanding licensed in-home child care provider. Shelley provided full-time care for my son Jack for nearly three years, from infanthood to preschool, and my husband and I were extremely happy with our choice.
As a care provider, Shelley is very responsible, loving and nurturing, treating each child as if he or she were her own. As an infant, she carried Jack around on her hip most of the day and engaged him fully with conversation and play. As he grew older, she became a stable, affectionate and trusted person in his life, and he thrived in her care and attention.
It’s important to select a child care provider who is respectful of your parenting style and objectives for your child. We found Shelley to be genuinely open to our input, and we came to rely on her as a sort of co-parent, collaborating on issues such as nutrition, discipline, potty training and daily routines. Her center offers a good balance of free play and structured activities, with a regular meal and nap routine that was comforting for our son and for us in terms of knowing what to expect each day. As first-time parents, we felt we learned a great deal from Shelley’s expertise, and often receive comments regarding our son’s gentle disposition, empathy for others and overall good behavior—much of which we know we can attribute to Shelley’ influence.
The children in Shelley’s care benefit from a safe, clean and spacious environment devoted 100 percent to them, with a variety of options for indoor/outdoor play and field trips ranging from regular outing to the park and story time to days at the zoo or Tiny Town. Shelley keeps a very manageable ratio at her center, with a limited number of babies and a handful of older toddlers who play well together. Children often remain in Shelley’s care for several years at a time, so there is an opportunity for the children to grow up together and develop friendly and ongoing relationships—something that often can’t be done at a center with high turnover of both care providers and children.
I’ve always felt that a parent can only be productive and comfortable at work if they know that their child is receiving the very best of care, and that was Shelley’s greatest gift to us. We were able to drop our son off each day knowing that he was safe, loved, and having fun, and I have rarely come across other working parents who can say the same. Please choose the child care provider that best fits your family, and know that if you choose Shelley Stackpole, you cant’ go wrong.
Sincerely,
Lisa A. Weser
I am writing this letter in support of the outstanding care that Shelley Stackpole has provided for our son, Brendan, from age 2 to 4 ½ old.
During the time that Brendan was in Shelley’s care, I can confidently say that I knew that Brendan was in excellent hands and always safe, well taken care of. It is just so evident that she really cares for her kids. She is great with the babies, very loving and attentive, and is great with the toddlers, giving them a lot of opportunity for play and learning. As anyone will see when they come to the house to visit, the downstairs and backyard is clearly devoted to the kids. The kids have all been very loving and well-behaved and Shelley is very good with them all.
Shelley also goes out of her way to make certain occasions special by having the kids work on projects for their parents and family. Examples have included picture frames, flower pots, paperweights, etc. They are fun for the kids to prepare and memorable keepsakes for the parents. She also gives parents a photo album in December to show some of the things the kids did over the year. We have a lot of great lasting memories of Brendan’s time at daycare.
We were so fortunate to have found Shelley and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a reliable, responsible, loving and nurturing person to share in the care giving responsibilities with your child.
Best Regards,
Carie Pyka
To Whom It May Concern:
We are pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Shelley Stackpole who is the owner of Little Hands & Feet. Shelley came highly recommended to us from a personal referral in our neighborhood. From the beginning my wife and I have been very impressed with the way Shelley operates and manages her daycare. Shelley is actively involved with the children. She coordinates a daily schedule that involves activities for the children such as arts and crafts, creating photo albums, and field trips (Zoo, Fire Station, Children’s Museum, and Park visits). Our son is always excited to tell us what his day was like with Shelley. This means so much to us as parents and we are very fortunate to have Shelley as our day care provider.
Shelley exhibits the qualities that are essential in providing a professional day care. She is very observant to the children’s needs and is very caring to them. She provides a well balanced meal and the best care a person can provide. She is always doing what is in the best interest of the children while managing her daycare and ensuring safety is a priority. My wife and I can go about our daily work schedule knowing that our son is in very good hands.
We are in the process of relocating out of state. All of us are going to miss Shelley, especially our son. Replacing Shelley is not going to be easy. If your child attends Little Hands & Feet, you can be sure that they will be part of a special place.
Please feel free to call us as a personal reference. We are more than happy to answer any questions.
Sincerely,
Mike and Tresia Mckenzie
Dear Shelley;
Wow! What a wonderful 3 years we had with you. You were a blessing and a breath of fresh air. You treated both my boys with the care and consideration I would expect only of someone who truly loved my boys.! I trusted your 110%. I never worried about them when they were with you. I feel that you cared and loved them as if they were your own. I think it takes a special person to do what you do every day and you are awesome at it.
You can always pass my name and phone number along as I pass yours along too recommending you because I think you are so great. I cannot say enough good things about you. I wish you the best of luck and hope we continue our friendship that we have developed over the last 3 years. Thanks you for a great 3 years!!
Your Friends,
Penny, Joe, Kyle and Ryan Nardi
To Whom It May Concern:
I would like to write this letter of recommendation for Shelley Stackpole.
We have been using Shelley’s daycare services for over four years now. Shelley has always been very loving and friendly towards our two children. One of the greatest compliments I can think of comes from our youngest daughter Camie, when she asks if she can spend more time at Shelley’s. Our two children have never been disappointed or upset about going to Shelley’s. We have thought of Shelley’s as a second home for our children, knowing that they are always safe and happy!
Sincerely,
Bruce Anthony
Dear concerned parents,
I can not say enough good things about Shelley as a child care provider and person. As an early childhood educator I was incredibly picky when it came to finding child care for my eight week old daughter, and I am very happy to be able to tell you that Little hands and Feet surpassed all of my expectations.
I felt assured that my daughter was being held, feeling loved, was being properly nourished and kept safe from older, more active children. As an infant she began to thrive under Shelley’s care.
As my daughter grew, I saw more evidence of Shelley’s love and care. My daughter began asking to see Shelley on the weekends and would light up at the sight of her on the week day mornings. It sure made leaving for work a lot easier, knowing that my little girl was happy and was looking forward to her day with Shelley. My daughter started counting to 10 and singing songs that I knew we had not taught her at home. She could have only learned that from being at Shelley’s. My daughter also became very motherly with her baby dolls, an example she had to have learned from watching Shelley care not only for her, but for her daycare friends as well. I credit all of my daughters caring and loving strength to Shelley.
Additionally I was always impressed with Shelley’s honesty, advice and overall professionalism. She is always keeping up with her required education hours and every part of her business is run very well. Because of her experience as a child care provider and as a parent she is also a terrific confidant to the mother of a small child.
Any child would be blessed to have Shelley love, care for, and teach them. Our daughter sure was!!!!!
Sincerely,
Misty Ruth
Cassidy was with Shelley for 3 ½ years. She was 8 months old when she started and we couldn’t have found more wonderful care for our daughter.
I really don’t know where to start, to convey what a great job Shelley has done in caring for her. I guess you should know that Shelley is a very dependable, honest, fun, energetic person that I think you will come to love as much as we did!
The communication and support from her with everything from teething and potty training to how she was learning to swim was awesome. She always had time to talk with us and let us know how things were going.
Cassidy truly enjoyed being with Shelley and we felt 100% secure leaving her in Shelley’s care. It’s hard to leave your kids all day, but when you find someone who really cares and gives your child attention, and love it makes all the difference. She really is great with kids, and one thing is certain, Cassidy loves Shelley very much! We will miss her and you are lucky to have her.
Jim & Julie McBee
To Whom It May Concern:
For the past three years, our son Ethan has been under the care of Shelley Stackpole. Our family is relocating to Kansas City and unfortunately, Shelley will no longer be Ethan’s daycare provider. We could not have been more pleased and satisfied with the level of care, attention and love that she gave Ethan. While we are sad to be leaving Colorado and the friends that we made, we will miss Shelley the most. Not only because of the daycare that she provided, but also because of the wonderful moments that she provided for Ethan. Ethan enjoyed going on all the field trips, to the park, playing outside, and learning new things daily. On a daily basis, Ethan would always ask, “Are we going to Shelley’s today?” Our son was most excited when we told him that he was going and sad (literally, he would sometimes cry!) on the days that he didn’t. During our drive home, Ethan always told us how much fun he had at Shelley’s with his friends. Even though we will find good daycare in Kansas City, I can guarantee it will not come close to the care, love, and dedication that Shelley provided. Shelley will be missed in more ways than we can explain.
My wife and I give our highest recommendations for Shelley. Nowhere will you find a better daycare provider. Having someone care for your child during the day can be an uneasy feeling at first, but I promise that you will never need to worry about your child with Shelley. If we can provide any more information regarding Shelley, please feel free to contact me.
Shelley, you will be missed more than you know!
Sincerely,
Sean and Tracy Mayers
To Whom It May Concern:
We would whole-heartedly endorse Shelley Stackpole’s in-home day care. Shelley cared for our daughter Mia from Nov-2003 through Sep-2004, until she was two and a half years old.
We had originally expected Mia to be with Shelley until she was age three (and ready to join her older sister in a local Montessori school), but Shelley’s caring and supportive environment accelerated Mia’s developmental growth, allowing Mia to join the school program several months ahead of schedule.
This is all the more impressive when you understand that Mia was adopted from China at 18 months of age, and had only been home in the US for two months before beginning care with Shelley.
Mia is our third child to experience in-home day care, and never before have we had a child who, on every Monday morning, would be so consistently upbeat about “going to Miss Shelley’s.” It is impressive when someone else allows your child to feel so comfortable, entertained and constructively challenged that going there is perceived solely as a positive.
In our eyes, Shelley’s best attributes in caring for our child are:
It was heart-warming to frequently find our daughter snuggled with Shelley at the end of the day, reading books. The normal transition was to receive a child full of smiles and excitement, telling stories of what a fun day it had been.
While we already had a plan to move Mia into a Montessori program before we even started at Shelley’s, we would have been extremely comfortable continuing care with Shelley for much longer. She provides a wonderful environment that is simultaneously nurturing and constructive for a child’s growth.
Shelley is warm, honest and caring person, and an excellent partner for parents in need of a day care option in their lives. Please feel free to contact us if you require any additional perspectives.
Sincerely,
Linda & Doug Brown
Michelle Stackpole has been our day care provider for over 4 years now and it is with every confidence that I recommend her to anyone interested in finding a safe, loving and comfortable environment for their children.
I think the true test of a good day care provider is the longevity that she has with the children she cares for. Shelley has many children now in fourth and fifth grade that she began taking care of when they were toddlers.
Shelley always provides a fun and safe play environment and healthy meals and snacks. She is also very loving to the children, always available for a hug if needed. It is hard enough having to leave your children when you go to work, it is so nice to only have to miss them and not worry about them too.
We are sorry to see Shelley leave our area and wish her much happiness in her new home. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss our experience with Shelley as our day care provider.
Lora Johnson
Dear Sir or Madam:
Michelle Stackpole has provided childcare services to our family for the past four years. She has cared for out daughter Katie from the age of one to the age of five. Michelle’s services were extremely professional and reliable. Michelle was always available and we did not have to deal with short notice cancellations. Michelle provided service regularly, and coordinated her vacation days well in advance. We never worried about the availability or quality of the service for four years.
Michelle provided a wonderful environment for the children. Katie felt right at home going to “Shelley’s”. We dropped her off in her pajamas after snatching her out of bed and she immediately went inside and felt safe and comfortable. We often asked Katie how her day went and what she did. We always received positive feedback and she was always excited about her day. My wife is a school teacher and Katie would be excited about returning to Shelley’s and getting back with the other children after Christmas, spring and summer breaks. Katie was always anxious to go back and never had any trepidation. This is the best recommendation that any childcare provider can get.
Michelle was also extremely pleasant to work with and we did not have any problems. Katie often went to Michelle’s straight out of bed. Michelle dressed her, fed her, and got her day off to a great start. This made it very easy on us getting Katie off to childcare. The environment was always very casual and friendly. Michelle coordinated her appointments and off times. She found responsible replacements while she attended doctor, dentist or other appointments. We were not asked to arrange for other care and Michelle provided service everyday. Michelle provided long lead times for vacation schedules.
Our Family would recommend Michelle to any family without reservation. Katie adores her and we have had nothing but pleasant experiences
Dear Shelley,
I wanted to write you a short letter to thank you for the wonderful care you have provided for Austin for the past 3 ½ years. Now that Austin is starting preschool it will be difficult to leave you.
I remember worrying about placing Austin in a large day care environment and was so happy to hear that you had an opening and could take Austin on a full time basis back on February 8, 1999. I know he loves you as though you were his “other” mother. There were weekends when he wanted to go to “Shelley’s” rather than stay at home with me.
You are a wonderful person and I appreciate all the time you have spent with Austin and the sincere and loving care you provided. As a mother who had to work to provide for her family, I always felt blessed that you were there for us.
We will never forget you and we would like to keep in touch as Austin grows. Best wishes to you and your family. Thanks again!!
Sincerely,
Darlene Suer
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a letter of recommendation for the day care services of Michelle Stackpole. My family entrusted our son, Christopher, to Michelle’s capable care for over 4 years. We were very satisfied with the day care service that she provided for our son from kindergarten until 4th grade. She always provided the children with and immaculate home, good nutritious snacks and whenever possible, fun things to do. She established a very nice play area in her home for their play with toys and games. She also had a great backyard play area that was very kid friendly. It is a relief to a working parent to know that her child is safe and enjoying his stay at day care and this is what Michelle provided for us.
I wish her luck in her new home, business and area. We will miss her services on our end of town. You will be the new lucky parents to have Michelle take care of your children now.
Sincerely,
Diane Farrell
Recommendation Letter for “Little Hands and Feet” day care center.
Our son Patrick was attending that day care since February of 2003. Since day one we loved the whole setup of the basement and walk out play area. Our son really felt right at home there. Shelley not only is there for the kids, but she also plays with them, reads to them, feeds them, hugs them, but also disciplines them. The discipline factor (a little time alone in the ‘Time Out’ chair) –we feel- is very important in this age (Patrick is almost two), as kids need to be told what’s allowed and what’s not, and that it is important to share.
We would have our son attending this day care, but our mom is going to be staying with us for awhile. However we gladly use the service whenever we would be in need of and seems that Shelley is open to help us out occasionally.
Sincerely the Parents
Janet and Dariusz
This is a letter of reference for Shelley Stackpole.
My daughter has been under the care and supervision of Shelley for over three years. I have had the utmost trust and confidence in leaving my daughter with Shelley, from the time she was three months old until now at the age of three and a half. Through the years, my daughter has enjoyed the interaction within Shelley’s daycare. Without reservation, I would highly recommend “Little Hands and Feet” to any parent considering a day care program for their child.
Sincerely,
Heidi Morris
Future families of Little Hands and Feet,
My son has had a wonderful couple of years with Shelley. She does so many things with them, either taking them places or doing projects at the house. All the children are very well taken care of. Shelley cares for the kids and it shows, I never had to worry about my son when he was in Shelley’s care. I feel fortunate to have found her and will miss her as my son goes to school. If you would like to contact me about my experiences with Shelley I would be happy to share.
Carla
Dear Shelley,
We Just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate you and how blessed we feel to have you taking care of our babies!
Cole and Olivia absolutely love you and they are always excited to see you. Before we met you I called 126 people looking for someone we felt comfortable leaving Cole and Livvie with. After we left your home the first time we came by to see you, we knew you were perfect.
Thank you so much for all the love and care you give our children. We are so very grateful for all you do for our family.
We love you!
Cole, Olivia, Lisa and Craig McPherson
Dear prospective parent:
Our family was fortunate enough to find Shelley through a Craigslist ad about 4 years ago. We started out with our oldest daughter, Casey when she was about 18 months old, and then, when our second daughter, Stella, was born, she started going when she was about 3 months old. We felt perfectly comfortable leaving our girls with Shelley, even with our youngest being so little. We knew Shelley would take great care of them. She is super attentive and loving, and the kids she watches truly become her family during the week.
My girls LOVED going to Shelley's house. They always had a wonderful time with all of the toys and their friends there. Shelley regularly changes the setup of her daycare, by adding new configurations for the toys, and even rooms. This keeps the kids excited about coming over to play. She also does fun stuff that many other daycare providers don't offer, like going to the zoo, going swimming at one of the rec centers, going to the library, and other field trips. And she does these on a regular basis- this is her norm, not the exception! She's also brought in the music man and does activities with other local childcare providers so her kids have even more kids to play with. And the kids bring home lots of fun crafts, too!
When I was looking for a daycare provider for my kids, I looked at a lot of places. Shelley's, by far, was the cleanest, and had the best set up for an in-home daycare. The walkout basement is great, and on nice days the kids are outside a lot playing. There were several times over the years that my girls would cry when I came to pick them up; they were having so much fun, they didn't want to leave. That is a good feeling, as a parent, to know that you don't have to worry about your kids while you are working- your kids are enjoying their day and getting superb care!
I would HIGHLY recommend Shelley to anyone looking for a safe and fun environment for their kids!
Sincerely,
Trina Oyloe
To Whom It May Concern:
My 3 year old son, Micah has been in Shelly’s care for a year and a half. During this time, I have always felt confident leaving him with her. She is nurturing, and it is apparent that she loves to be around children as she is always engaged. I am confident that Shelly gives each of the children in her care the one-on-one attention they deserve. Micah was able to go places while in Shelly’s care whether it was camping, Jump Street, Monkey Business, Play Theatre downtown, library, Whale pool at the rec center etc… Micah has become quite artistic and creative since being in Shelly’s care as she is always coming up with crafts and projects for the kids.
As a parent, it was reassuring for me to know that Micah was able to explore the world outdoors and indoors. Micah was safe, loved, nurtured and he always enjoyed himself. Shelly listened to my parenting concerns, whatever they were, and she was very helpful in this regard giving me feedback and suggestions. I trusted her input because caring for children is her life’s work. I would recommend Shelly to anyone who has the need for childcare. We will miss her dearly.
Sincerely,
The Ceglians