Sanford fit and Solis Photography Present our 2024 Childcare/Preschool Provider of the Year

Sara Brinkman, Preschool Teacher, Sioux Falls Luthern School 

Sara Brinkman, our 2024 ‘hood Childcare and Preschool Provider of the Year knew she would be a teacher early on. “My mom was a teacher, and my dad’s mother was a teacher, so teaching has always been in my blood. Growing up, I always said I was going to be a teacher someday. I decided to go to school for Early Childhood Education. It was during my time at SDSU that I began to understand the importance of education in those first 5 years of life.” 

Mrs. Brinkman walked out with her four-year-old class for a sudden surprise school assembly that she thought she was late for. In fact, it was all for her! Mrs. Brinkman was shocked to find out she had won the ‘hood Childcare and Preschool Provider of the Year Award and was being given amazing classroom sensory items provided by Sanford fit.  

Mrs. Brinkman has worked in early childcare education for 20 years, even teaching children for four seasons with the PGA Tour! This is her fourth year at Sioux Falls Luthern School, and she is passionate about teaching in early education, saying, “As their teacher, you have the opportunity to teach the WHOLE child- from motor skills to social skills, to letters, numbers, and science. You help them learn to talk, to walk, and to run. You teach them when to hug, when to help, how to be kind, and when to forgive.” 

Working in early education, Mrs. Brinkman knows she is setting the foundation for her students’ future academic success. She says, “It’s so rewarding to know that I had a hand in creating that excitement for learning, and hopefully, they will carry that excitement with them after they leave my classroom.” 

Sanford fit was with us as we surprised Mrs. Brinkman and said, “Childcare & Preschool providers are crucial to the wellbeing and development of children during those first years of life, and Sara Brinkman is exactly who you would want in that position. I knew instantly after stepping into her classroom why she was nominated, as she embodies passion, dedication, and patience for the children in her care. Our team at Sanford fit is incredibly honored to congratulate Sara Brinkman on the Childcare & Preschool Provider of the Year award and provide her classroom with items to build a cozy corner to continue her work on children’s social and emotional development.”

Winning Nominations: 

Mrs. Brinkman’s classroom exemplifies the true definition of going above and beyond. Superior and creative academic lessons, along with the social/emotional components that are tied into each day, show us that our kiddos are getting an all-encompassing education that they can use at school and out in the community as they continue to grow! We will forever be grateful to have been a part of Mrs. Brinkman’s preschool family. 

-Amanda (Mom), Michael and Camila (Students) 

Mrs. Brinkman does an amazing job of creating a fun and interactive learning experience for her students. Every day she has new and engaging activities set up for the children to learn from. Mrs. Brinkman is also very understanding of the needs of her students and teaches with a genuine desire to make a difference. Our daughter enters her classroom with a big smile on her face and leaves the same way, every time telling us that she “had the best day ever!”  

-Dustin (Dad) and Everly (Student) 

Childcare/Preschool Provider: Childcare & Preschool providers are crucial to the wellbeing and development of children during those first years of life and Sara Brinkman is exactly who you would want in that position. I knew instantly after stepping into her classroom why she was nominated as she embodies passion, dedication, and patience for the children in her care. Our team at Sanford fit is incredibly honored to congratulate Sara Brinkman on the Childcare & Preschool Provider of the Year award and provide her classroom with items to build a cozy corner to continue her work on children’s social and emotional development