Partner Highlight - Thomas Learning Centers

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​This week we'd like to share our interview questions we had with the owner of Thomas Learning Centers in the beautiful state of Colorado.  Our partner had such wonderfully thoughtful answers.  Read on...

What are you most proud of with your center(s)? 

• Overall, I’m proudest of long-term staff who create quality experiences for kids and their families every day.  I’m especially proud that they are pulling this off even through through hoops necessary to be safe during a pandemic.

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When did you know you wanted to work in early childhood education? What drew you to child-care?

• After I became a certified teacher I was drawn to the fact that within child care settings relationships and family involvement is encouraged.  I felt then, and still do that early childhood education is the place where I can make the greatest difference and help families the most.

What is the biggest challenge you've faced while working in child-care? How did you handle it?

• Politics.  One just has to to roll with it, to be prepared to defend practices that are proven to be best practices over methods that take opportunities away from kids as opposed to expanding them.

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​COVID has really impacted care centers and parents. The following are some questions to help you highlight how you keep children and families safe.
How often do you clean?

• We used to do set times/procedures, but now, while procedures remain in place, they are done much more frequently- after every activity, every change, every child.  I think the short answer is “Constantly”.

Are masks worn at all times?

• Yes

Daily temperature checks performed?

• Yes

Are parents allowed in the center for drop-off or pick-up?

• No

Do you have or have you added programs to help parents with distance learning models for public school?

• Yes

What is the most important thing a classroom needs to run smoothly?

• Solid curriculum planning and relationships with families that foster respect and participation.

What do you consider key elements in a high-quality daycare operation?

• Strong administrative support staff, esprit de corps and strong relationships that include staff, children, their families.

How can parents help keep the pick-up and drop-off of kids running smoothly? 

• Have a routine and keep to it as much as possible. Be patient, have a sense of humor.

What makes your center different from the rest?

• We truly are a home away from home for people’s kids and we are a loving, resource for families.  Got a kid question, concern, or problem? We have people.  We also are the best at individualizing care for families and meeting community needs (as opposed to asking families to meet our schedules, slots and demands).

What has been the most formative experience you've had in your work with young children and families?

• Working with at risk or special needs kids.  It’s funny that those are the experiences that bring home the fact that we share all the same needs and desires.  It is most gratifying when families who have not been embraced become part of an inclusive community.

​What is your next big project for the center? 

• Completing our national accreditation process.