The Real Story Behind Running a Learning Center
Let’s get real for a moment. Yes, things are running amazingly well here at the learning center, and we’re hitting milestones I’m incredibly proud of. But the truth is, this journey has been anything but smooth. It’s been filled with blood, sweat, and yes, plenty of tears.
I’ve questioned myself more times than I can count—wondering if I should have stayed home, if I made the right decision to take this leap. Starting this learning center has brought out every emotion possible. There have been moments where I’ve felt utterly exhausted and wondered if I could keep going. But through all the doubt, 2023 pushed me forward. My children have been my biggest motivators, pushing me to give them something to be proud of—something that will last long after I’m gone.
The Building and Construction Journey
Getting a building was a huge step, but it was far from easy. The construction process was stressful, exhausting, and honestly, painful at times. Every step was a challenge, from working on the building itself to figuring out how to create a space where children would thrive. I had a small, tight-knit group of people who helped me along the way, and without them, this building wouldn’t have become what it is today.
Then there’s the financial side of things. I’ve shed tears of both joy and stress while navigating the ups and downs of running a business. I’ve asked myself over and over, “Am I doing the right thing?” Staffing the learning center, creating the right environment, and trying to compare it to other centers when I’ve never worked in one—it’s all been a learning curve.
Creating a Curriculum from Scratch
One of the most rewarding, yet challenging, parts of this journey has been developing our curriculum. I’ve spent countless hours doing research and building two sets of curriculums—not just to meet standards, but to create something meaningful for the children we care for. And now, my next goal is to develop infant milestone plans to ensure that even our youngest learners reach every milestone.
Being the Leader I Want to Be
As a boss, I’ve aimed to be someone who’s easy to work with, who understands the stress of this job but also provides the support my staff needs. It hasn’t been easy, and I’m constantly striving to improve. The childhood education field is not for the faint of heart, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Things are headed in the right direction, but I want to be real—this has been a challenge, and I’m still learning every day.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
If you’re thinking about starting something like this, be ready for a rollercoaster of emotions. You’ll feel everything from excitement to frustration, joy to exhaustion—sometimes all in the same day. But at the end of the day, it’s all worth it. Watching these kids grow and knowing that I’m playing a part in shaping their future makes every challenge feel meaningful.
I’m beyond grateful to everyone who has helped me get to where I am today. I couldn’t have done it alone, and I owe so much to the people who’ve been there from day one, from opening my in-home daycare to running this center now. This is a dream I’ve been living, and I’d love to help others live theirs too.
Here’s to the journey ahead—thank you for being a part of it with me!
