Today we’d like to introduce you to Sanchita.
Sanchita, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
All of it started with an opportunity — one I didn’t expect. I have a background in IT, and after taking a break for a few years, I was eager to get back into the field. But it was tough. Technology evolves so quickly, and the gap made it hard to re-enter the industry.
Around that time, my daughter was attending a local preschool — a place that proudly calls itself a preschool, not just a daycare. I had misunderstood their hours of operation and went in to confirm them. That small moment — just walking in to ask a question — changed everything.
I met the owner of the preschool, Shanika Preston, and while we were talking, I casually mentioned that I was looking for a job and trying to find something that would fit within my daughter’s schedule. She told me they were hiring and asked if I’d be interested in making an impact on young children’s lives.
I was hesitant. Skeptical, even. Taking care of someone else’s child — their entire world — is a huge responsibility. I wasn’t sure I was cut out for it. But I told her I was open to trying, as long as she would guide me. She saw something in me that I hadn’t seen in myself — and she took a chance.
I started as a temporary staff member, shadowing Shanika Preston and going through what felt like countless trainings. She gave me the opportunity to work with every age group to see where I connected most. Within two weeks, I was told I had the potential to lead. Of course, there was still a lot to learn, but the vision was clear: with the right support, I could step into a leadership role.
From there, it was a whirlwind of trainings, courses, and hands-on learning. And within six months — with the encouragement of my family, my boss, my colleagues, and my friends — I became the director of the school.
One thing that has always stayed with me is something my other boss, William Preston, told me during my training: “In this field, if you can’t be good in the classroom, you can’t be a great leader.” That has shaped how I lead today. Even as a director, I still go into the classrooms — to teach, to play, or just to talk to the children. That connection keeps me grounded.
Now, nearly two years later, I’m still the director at Sanford Kid City USA — and I absolutely love what I do.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all — it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. In fact, I think the most meaningful parts of this journey have come from the challenges.
Coming from a different background in IT, and stepping into early childhood education, was a complete shift. I didn’t have formal training in this field, and everything felt new — the terminology, the regulations, the developmental milestones. I had to start from the ground up, learning not just the “what” but the “why” behind everything we do with children.
There were also personal doubts. I kept asking myself: Am I capable of caring for other people’s children the way they deserve? Can I be the kind of presence these kids need every day? It’s a huge responsibility, and I didn’t take it lightly.
Then there was the pace — it was intense. I went through a flood of trainings, courses, and certifications while also adjusting to a completely different work culture. It was overwhelming at times. But I had incredible support around me — my family, my friends, my boss — and that made all the difference.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay not to know everything at the start. What matters is your willingness to learn, to be present, and to lead with heart. That mindset helped me push through every rough patch — and made the journey even more rewarding.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m the director at Sanford Kid City USA, a preschool that goes beyond just childcare — we focus on creating a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. While I handle the day-to-day operations, my true passion lies in connecting with people — the children, the families, and the incredible educators who help bring our mission to life.
What I specialize in is fostering growth — both in children and in the staff. Coming from a background outside of early childhood education, I’ve embraced learning and evolved with a mindset of humility and empathy. I believe in leading by example, which is why I spend time in the classrooms, teaching, observing, or simply connecting with the kids. That hands-on approach helps me understand what’s really happening on the ground and ensures I can guide my team effectively.
In the two years I’ve been at Sanford Kid City USA, I’ve been fortunate to receive both the Employee of the Year Award and the Heart of the Hive Award, which really reflect the support and appreciation of my team. Recently, we underwent the Kid City USA Quality Standard Inspection and scored over 90%, a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved.
We’re also incredibly proud of our educational milestones. Our three-year-olds are already writing their names and excelling in phonics, while many of our four-year-olds are reading books independently. These achievements are a huge win for the children, our dedicated teachers, and the entire preschool community.
What sets me apart is my approach to leadership — grounded in presence, empathy, and a genuine passion for what we do. I believe in creating a community where everyone feels seen and supported, and I’m truly proud of what we’ve built together at Sanford Kid City USA.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The early childhood education industry is evolving rapidly, and I see several significant shifts in the next 5-10 years. One major trend I anticipate is a greater emphasis on social-emotional learning (SEL). As we recognize more and more how critical early emotional development is to lifelong success, I believe there will be an even stronger focus on teaching children how to understand and regulate their emotions, develop empathy, and build strong interpersonal relationships from a very young age.
Another shift I see is the continued integration of technology in the classroom — but with a balanced, mindful approach. Technology can be a great tool for interactive learning, especially when used to enhance creativity and problem-solving skills. However, there will also be a growing emphasis on ensuring that technology doesn’t replace hands-on, play-based learning that is so essential for young children’s development.
The professional development of educators will continue to be a key focus as well. As the demands of the job grow, we’ll likely see more robust and ongoing training programs to help teachers stay current with new educational research, techniques, and tools. I think the importance of mental health support for educators will also increase, as they play such a pivotal role in shaping the future of young minds.
Finally, I see an increasing push toward inclusivity and ensuring that early childhood education is accessible to all children, regardless of socioeconomic background, race, or ability. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of flexible learning environments and family support systems, and I think we’ll continue to see more efforts to make high-quality education available to everyone.
Ultimately, I’m excited for the direction the industry is headed. As more research supports the value of early education, I believe we’ll see even more recognition of the impact that a strong, nurturing foundation has on children’s future success. The challenge — and opportunity — will be ensuring that these innovations continue to prioritize the well-being and development of the child as the ultimate goal.
