Trautner named February’s Civil Service Employee of the Month

Amy Trautner, an early childhood enrichment training specialist for the Child and Family Resource Network, has been named South Dakota State University’s Civil Service Employee of the Month for February. 

She will be honored at a reception held from 3-4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, in Pugsley Center 205. 

Trautner has worked for SDSU for the past 13 years. 

April Flemming, Trautner’s supervisor and assistant outreach coordinator for the Child and Family Resource Network, said Trautner is deeply committed to SDSU and the Child and Family Resource Network missions, which is to promote the quality care of children through educating, supporting and connecting the individuals involved in their lives. 

“Daily, Amy combines her experience in the field of early childhood education with knowledge of quality practices to train providers in the child care industry. Amy has a specific passion for supporting the state’s Child Development Associate credential training program,” which allows professionals working in the industry a pathway to higher education, Flemming said. 

Flemming added that over the past 13 years, Trautner has served in various roles supporting child care and school age professionals, and she is always eager to step up and serve in any capacity needed. 

“Amy is enthusiastic about providing the latest research, toys and equipment and highlights upcoming training opportunities. She is always willing to listen to directors and child care professionals to brainstorm ideas about problems they are facing. This consistent relationship with programs and providers over the past 13 years is irreplaceable to many,” she said. 

Rachel Busmann, Child and Family Resource Network outreach coordinator, praised Trautner’s service to 13 counties in northeast South Dakota, where she provides training and technical assistance to individuals working within the child care industry. 

“Amy meets the early childhood and school age professionals with resources, support and evidence-based practices. Her leadership, compassion and confidence-boosting interactions truly make the impact as providers implement new theories, resources and measures to improve their care to children,” Busmann said. 

Cheyenne Krein, who recently earned her Child Development Associate credential, said, “Amy has been my cheerleader and supporter, helping me to complete my CDA and bachelor’s degree. … She was always there to listen to me when I had a bad day. Even if she couldn’t fix it, she made me feel like I wasn’t alone,” Krein said. 

“Amy is very hardworking and takes her job seriously. She knows how to relate things back to when she was a provider. … She was always available to help when I had a question. Not only was Amy my teacher, but she was also a life mentor for me, and for that I will be eternally grateful,” Krein added. 

Trautner earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a master’s degree in human development at SDSU. She is also a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. She and her husband, Will, have one son, Charlie. 

“Thank you for this incredible honor,” Trautner said. “I love what I do and who I work with at SDSU.” 

All SDSU Employee of the Month selections are determined through a nomination process by the Civil Service Advisory Council. Each civil service employee of the month receives an appreciation monetary gift from the F.O. Butler Foundation. The trustees of the foundation recognize the importance of civil service employees and take this opportunity to thank them for their exemplary service.