About Us
Spencer and Janelle Dean have been married for 20 years and are proud parents of six children and grandparents to three grandchildren. Their family has always been at the heart of their lives, and their shared commitment to children and families is what inspired them to create Sunflower Playschool.
Janelle has dedicated more than 20 years to the field of early childhood education. She began her career as an assistant teacher and worked her way into leadership, ultimately serving as a childcare director. Throughout her career, Janelle has gained extensive experience in early childhood programming, staff development, administration, and business practices. She has also provided business-practice consultation statewide through a state agency.
Janelle holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Butler Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Ashworth College. Janelle also holds a National Director Credential through McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership. She is actively involved with early childhood boards and professional organizations throughout Kansas, where she continues to advocate for high-quality early childhood education and strong leadership within the field.
For Janelle, owning a childcare program has always been a dream. After years of working in early childhood education, the opportunity to make that dream a reality finally presented itself.
Spencer brings a diverse background of professional experience and a strong commitment to supporting his family and community. He proudly served with Sedgwick County Fire District #1 for 25 years before retiring in 2021. Throughout his career, Spencer has developed a wide range of skills and experiences through various professional roles.
When the opportunity arose for Spencer and Janelle to pursue that dream of owning a childcare program, Spencer was excited to support her vision and become part of the journey.