Video: Elk Grove Preschool Teacher Surprised with $10,000 Check

A new storybook held a $10,000 surprise for an Elk Grove preschool teacher earlier this week.

Wendy Spriggs, an infant teacher who has taught at Bruceville KinderCare Learning Center for six years, on Tuesday was awarded the Early Childhood Educator Award from Knowledge Universe, along with a $10,000 check.

"There's so many things I love about teaching," Spriggs said in a video provided by Knowledge Universe. "Coming every day, seeing their faces, watching them grow–I love the infants and toddlers; that's my passion."

Spriggs was told the center's director would be reading a new book to children Tuesday morning, but she slowly realized the story was about her and the award she was about to receive, according to a press release.

When Center Director Kimberly Cheers read Spriggs' name on the final page, the teacher burst into tears and held up a smiling infant to cover her face. During her video interview, she fought back tears as she described her surprise.

Knowledge Universe complimented Spriggs' teaching in a press release.

"Wendy was praised for her innate ability in relating to the needs of babies, resulting in a strong bond with the infants in her care," the press release states. "Another example of Wendy’s exceptional commitment to teaching is the 'yearbook' she creates to highlight the children’s growth and experience in her class. Wendy also received accolades for the care she takes in selecting decorations and equipment to foster an engaging environment for babies."

Bruceville KinderCare offers preschool programs for kids ages 6 weeks through 5 years, as well as before- and after-school programs for kids ages 5 through 12.

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Do your kids attend Bruceville KinderCare? What do you think of the center? Let us know in the comments section below.

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