About Us
Nick & Maria Engels are the owners of Beehive Child Care and are excited to help make a difference in the communities they serve. We hope our Beehive Child Care company becomes your trusted partner for families for all things child care!
Nick & Maria are no strangers to the industry. Their first center, Littles Early Learning Center, is located in Benton, KS, a small community just east of Wichita that began in a small house in 2017. Through this experiment with business partner, Lacey Gould, who serves as the director, they learned of the enormous need for quality child care. This led to a new center being built that serves 60 children aged 8 weeks to school age.
In 2022, Nick & Maria partnered with USD #375 – Circle Public Schools to offer 8 different child care programs throughout the four Circle elementary schools that include latchkey services, summer care, and a half day care option for those children attending Circle’s Pre-K program.
Augusta, KS is their 2024 project with a capacity of 56 children aged 2 weeks to school age.
Nick & Maria are parents to seven daughters who keep them busy when the work day is done with many athletic and fine arts activities. Nick & Maria are no strangers to small business, as they are part owners of a property management and residential construction business. Nick’s previous experience is in education where he taught in Andover schools, Circle schools, and Butler Community College. Maria’s business degree has always been used on the financial side as bookkeeper for several small businesses over the years.
Mission
The mission of Beehive Child Care is to provide excellence in quality child care solutions for communities, schools, and businesses.
Our Values
Transparent
We prioritize communication with families and staff, ensuring that everyone is well-informed and valued.
Caring
Our nurturing environment fosters a sense of belonging and comfort, making every child feel at home.
Empower
We inspire children to be confident and curious, encouraging them to explore and grow.
Collaborate
Teamwork is at the heart of our approach, as we work together with families and the community at large to support each child’s development.
Respect
We want our programs and staff to be top-notch and the best child care solution in the communities we serve.
Our Programs
Through a partnership with USD 375 – Circle Public Schools, Beehive Child Care offers three different program types in 4 elementary schools across the district.