About Us
Where Your Child's Development Begins
About Wirtzie's
Wirtzie's Preschool and Childcare provided an environment that enhances and enables learning and community while providing quality childcare for children ages six weeks to five years old.
Wirtzie’s Preschool and Child Care is a program of Benevilla, a nonprofit organization which has been serving families in the Northwest Valley since 1981.
For more information visit us at http://www.benevilla.org
Our Teachers and Staff
The lead teachers at Wirtzie's Preschool and Childcare have years of experience working with young children. Each staff member receives ongoing training in both childcare and child development while on-site.
The quality of child care programs are built around the relationships between the children and the adults who care for them.
In addtion, to Wirtzie's teachers, there are a large number of volunteers. There is always an adult nearby in case your child needs help with a project, guidance in working out a conflict, or maybe just needs a hug.
Wirtzie's Classrooms
Wirtzie’s Preschool & Child Care was designed to provide a safe, secure environment for your child.
The center may only be accessed with a coded security pass, and all traffic is monitored through our staffed central lobby.
Policies and procedures are in place covering everything from drop-off/pick-up to food safety to sanitation. In addition, all staff members are First Aid/CPR certified and both staff and volunteers have fingerprint and background clearances.
Our wide-open classrooms feature plenty of play space, nooks for reading and tools for imagining.
Expansive windows provide ample natural light while also providing views onto the desert, Alice’s Wonderland playground and the shared Intergenerational Garden.
The Wirtzie's Name
Dick and Eileen Bloechl have always been dedicated to supporting their community, from their hometown of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to their retirement in Arizona. Honored with the Interfaith Community Care (Benevilla) Spirit of Philanthropy Award in 2007, their commitment to giving back has left a lasting impact.
Dick spent 31 years in National Finance at UPS, serving across the Midwest while actively supporting nonprofit organizations through board service and fundraising. Eileen, a social worker in Green Bay, dedicated her life to fostering a loving and enriching environment for children while raising their five children.
Their vision was to create a nurturing space for future generations, inspiring the founding of Wirtzie’s Preschool & Child Care. The name "Wirtzie" comes from Eileen’s college nickname, a tribute to her lifelong passion for caring for children.
Alice's Wonderland
Ken and Alice Meade always lived by the Golden Rule – it’s important to help take care of the community where you live and work. They have been long-time supporters of Benevilla, making sure that the services Benevilla provides continue to be available. Ken has served on many boards with other nonprofits and uses his skills to help raise money for the community. Ken was honored with the Benevilla Spirit of Philanthropy Award in 2008.
Both Ken and Alice were born in New York City and moved to Phoenix with their three children in 1958. They eventually opened Ken Meade Realty in 1983.
Alice’s Wonderland is a testament to their commitment to all generations having the best quality of life possible
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“I’m naming this playground after Alice because I love her, and she deserves this.” ~Ken Meade
Art's Center for All Ages
After coming to Sun City West as Michigan snowbirds, Art and Helen Nickless deeply appreciated the way Benevilla provided respite care for spouses who were faithfully caring for their beloved mates.
Art and Helen were devoted to their family and took a “family first” attitude that extended to helping under-served children of the next generation and generations to come.
Part of the commitment was Art’s support in opening Art’s Center for All Ages, a dedicated space between Lucy Anne’s Place and Wirtzie’s, which allows children and elders to come together to learn and grow and enjoy relationships with each other that are life-giving to all.
