Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Jackson
Hi Mariah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My husband and I were struggling after covid had tanked our trucking company. We had two children and were drowning in debt. an old friend of mine that was now in real estate had the, now daycare, property listed for rent on face book, and curiosity got the best of me. We met and instantly my wheels started turning on what we could do with the space. We had absolutely no money saved and I honestly had no idea why I was evening playing with the idea. My friend Jarrod, the real estate agent, suggested a daycare. It had never crossed my mind. I left that day and started praying. A week later I found myself knee deep in research and enrolled in a directors program. I went on my first mission trip to Guatemala in 2009 and fell in love with teaching. I knew I loved working with children. I just didnt know that was going to be the calling on my life. I had played with the idea of interior design and considered schooling for phycology. Little did I know that God was lining up something that would include all of my passions in one. A year later, after surprise investors, 4 Licensing consultants (not usual you usually only have 1), and many tears, the daycare had its opening day.It looked nothing like I had imagined, with one trial after another it somehow continued to preserver. After 8 months we had to add another room to the center because we had already outgrown our space. Another 2 months we are currently full and still growing. Sometimes I still don’t feel like it’s real.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Anything but smooth! We had nothing but debt. If it wasn’t for investors and donations we would have never opened our doors. Mind you these people I met after we started and had never imagined they would. I had 4 licensing consultants when most centers have 1. At the time I was a stay at home mom who had 2 children and my husband was working full time.
We’ve been impressed with Village Daycare , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a Montessori INSPIRED learning center. What is Montessori you ask? It’s a scientifically based education approach that emphasizes independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural psychological, physical, and social development. In other words, we are creating an environment to encourage children to love learning and people through music, history, math, language, and culture!
As a mother myself I have struggled to find a place that fits everything I want so desperately to instill in my own children. Respect, independence, kindness, cultural understanding, appreciation for our earth and bodies, to name a few! I want my children to bond and cultivate relationships with the village around us who have such a large role in who they will be as adults. To not only teach them but to take the time to learn their individual learning styles and help them flourish emotionally as well as physically.
The children coming to “The Village” are much much more than an enrollment spot. They are the peers my children will be surrounded by and grow with. So here are just a few examples of what our babies will be a part of.
We will have a curriculum with alternating cultural exposure. We choose different cultures to focus on each month. We will incorporate artist, culinary, and stories throughout the month in class from our art projects, story time, and lunch, etc.
Sign language will be taught all throughout the year in all age groups but heavily in infant and toddler rooms. Ages 12m+ will also have Spanish classes two days a week, if full time. Part time would have one class a week.
Loving and caring for our earth as well as our bodies will be another big focus. We will be doing a lot of growing fruits and vegetables, foraging, recycling. As well as learning how we as people benefit from the natural world around us.
Lastly, we have a religious focus each month as well, focusing on the different miracles and stories of Jesus Christ.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was raised by my grandparents. Growing up in public school was challenging. Navigating a home life with my mom and dad being in and out -while being desperate to be a good student and fit in was a constant struggle. I had Amazing teachers and mentors who were able to nurture my love for learning and give me the praise and affection I needed. I loved sports, church, music, and nature/animals. I grew up on a 50 acre farm where I helped raise a garden, rode horses, and cared for goats, cows, and any other animal I could get my hands on. I was the oldest sibling and cousin of the family. I was delighted to be the one who took care of all the babies.My first job was picking beans when I was 12. I also worked for Roberto’s Italian ice, My best friend’s (Madison Mabry) family business. They were the ones I watched build the American dream while raising 3 kids. They were always there! Not only for their kids but for all of us. Mellissa and Robert, Maddie’s parents are still very much like my second parents! They were the example that I could do or build a life where I was a successful business woman who was also a wonderful mother. Maddie has been my best friend since Elementary school. She’s more like a sister to me now and one of the assistant directors at the center! We have loved this season of raising our babies and working together.
Pricing:
- 200 FT potty trained 2.5 and older
- 225 FT not potty trained 13 months and up
- 250 infant FT – upto 12 months
- hourly 5$ per hour for potty trained 10$ per hr not potty trained
Contact Info:
- Website: https://villagedaycarecenter.com/about-us
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090351743932
