Meet Our La Petite Academy Staff – Ms. Dana, Pre-K Teacher

For 16 years, Ms. Dana has worked at our Baines Court/Cary, NC center in a few different roles including assistant director, 13 years as a preschool teacher, and now, pre-kindergarten teacher. Even after all these years, she continues to teach with the same energy and excitement as she did on her first day. Read on to learn some interesting facts about Ms. Dana and why she loves it here at La Petite Academy!

Why is early education important to you?

It’s important to me because when kids start school, there are things they need to know and if they weren’t in an early child care center, they might not know them. They’re going to get lost in the shuffle, or they may get left behind because there are so many kids in the classroom setting. There’s a difference between a child who has been at home and one who has been in a center.

What is your favorite accomplishment since being at La Petite?

Getting my bachelor’s degree in early childhood. That was the biggest for me.

What’s your favorite children’s book?

My favorite children’s book is the Giving Tree. The man in the book had nothing to give as he was growing up, but the tree was kind and she still gave to him. I like the friendship they had in the book.

Can you share a special moment you’ve had as a teacher at La Petite?

This was my first pre-kindergarten class and I think that graduation would have to be the most memorable for me because it went great, it ended up being funny and the parents really enjoyed it. This class was my preschool class from last year, so it’s my second year having them, and I’m very close to them.

How was teacher appreciation week?

It was great! I really enjoyed it! Being recognized is nice, because how many companies really take the time to do it? And a lot of the kids made cards themselves, and that makes it really special.

What’s an interesting fact about yourself that others might not know?

I lived in Germany for three years! My second child was born in Germany, so she has dual citizenship.

Are there any hobbies you like to do when you’re not working?

When I’m not working I like to read, and I think that shows in the classroom. I read at least twice a day. I read at circle time in the morning, and then in the afternoon we do a circle time read. I try to pass that onto them that reading is so important.

What has it been like to work at La Petite for the past 16 years?

It’s a wonderful place – I’m not just saying it because I work there! My kids went there. People say, “so you work at a daycare?” and I say “no, I don’t work at a daycare.” A daycare is babysitting. I teach. I have a four year degree. This is really important to me, and 16 years later, I’m still teaching as though it was my first day.