"I am proud to be among such highly respected members of the Early Childhood field."

Sandra C. Bendickson

Administrative Director
The Salvation Army Child Care Center
Peoria, IL
Years in Position: 5 years
Level II

Thank you for the opportunity to apply for and receive my Illinois Director Credential. Everyone at Gateways, and here at my local CCR&R were extremely helpful and accommodating as I worked my way through this process. I am proud to be among such highly respected members of the Early Childhood field. This allows me to not only validate my dedication to E.C. but to make a clear statement of the importance of early education here in Illinois.

My career began in nursing with the U.S. Army. I worked for 3 years in a pediatric clinic on an Army base in California. I loved the children, but it made me so sad to see the ones who were never going to get well. When I got out of the Army I decided to go to school using my G.I. Bill, and take early childhood classes to become a preschool teacher. I got my associates degree and soon decided I wanted to do more for parents and young children, so I went for my Bachelors in Family Life and Child Development. My G.I. Bill paid for all of my college expenses. I taught children and became involved in Early Childhood and Family Development Programs in Minnesota. Soon I found myself starting a program for a school district where I was living. I started the program that was state and locally funded with eight of my friends who had young children. When I left the program 18 years later we were serving 108 families five days a week. I directed programs for children and for parents. I also taught English Second Language and Adult Basic Education Classes. When my husband’s job with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans transferred him to Illinois, I was excited to find a director opening at The Salvation Army in Peoria. I have been directing programs here for children and parents now for five years and I love the opportunities I have encountered here. I became involved with Strengthening Families IL and became a trainer of their curriculum and a member of the Peoria Strengthening Families Hub Site. We added Infant and Toddler care to our clientele here at The Salvation Army, and became NAEYC Accredited in July of 2006. In 2007 we added Pre-School for All to our programs. I attended Professional Development training in 2008 and am now a Professional Development Advisor for Gateways to Opportunity.

I retired from The Air Force National Guard in 1999 after 24 years of active and National Guard duty. While in the A.N.G. I was a registered Emergency Medical Technician and was awarded The Meritorious Service Medal as well as many other honors and medals. I also had an opportunity to travel to places like Japan, Alaska, Hawaii, and England. I served during the Vietnam War and was activated with my Guard unit for Desert Storm.

While living in Minnesota I was an active E.M.T. for the city I resided in for seven years. Presently I live in Mackinaw, IL with my husband, Ross, of 30 years. We have two grown boys, Peter lives in Iowa, and David is married and lives in Minnesota. When I am not working I like to read, sew, scrapbook, and visit my friends and my children.