Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Mckenzie
Hi Danielle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I like to joke that I’ve been in childcare for over 20 years, even though I’m still in my mid-twenties! Growing up, I was surrounded by it. My mom started her childcare journey right out of our garage, and eventually she scaled up to open her first center. While she ran that center, I was always watching her, soaking in how she managed the day-to-day operations, but it wasn’t until we moved to Ft. Lauderdale and after the birth of my son that I decided to take childcare more seriously. She opened up another center down there and that’s where I truly got hands-on experience on how to run a childcare center. I learned how to properly run a business, navigate state regulations, and build relationships with parents and kids. When we moved back to Lake County we decided it was time for me to take lead. Thanks to the reputation that my mom had already built in the community, it felt like a natural step. I’ve been able to build on the solid foundation she laid, and she continues to mold me into the businesswoman I am today. Her guidance and encouragement always push me to think bigger and explore new opportunities in and out of childcare. It has been an incredible journey so far, and I’m proud to continue her legacy all while carving my own path in this field.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Dealing with kids is never an easy task! One of the biggest obstacles I’ve recently overcame has been finding a balance between my role as a mother and professional responsibilities as a childcare director. Juggling the emotional and physical demands of being a mother along with the pressures of overseeing a childcare facility, was extremely challenging. As a director, I’m the face of the business, parents and staff often need to speak with me directly regarding their child and the daily operations. This meant that I was constantly pulled in different directions, balancing the needs of my family with the expectations of parents and the administrative responsibilities that came with managing a childcare center. Overtime I communicated with parents and staff for the need of flexibility and set clear boundaries around my time, ensuring that I could prioritize both my professional role and my family. By finding this balance, I not only improved my ability to mange my duties but also became more empathic and understanding of the challenges that other parents face. This experience has strengthened my approach to childcare, as I can better support families navigating the complex balance between home life and work commitments.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Little Journeys Learning Center?
As a childcare director, I wear many hats. I oversee the day-to-day operations of the daycare, safe and stimulating environment for the children. I manage a team of incredible teachers and staff, handle parent communication, and ensure we meet all state regulations. Beyond that, I focus on creating an enriching curriculum tailored specifically to young learners and building strong relationships with the families we serve. Brand wise, I take pride in being innovative. Whether it’s introducing creative learning methods or finding new ways to connect with parents, I always aim to above and beyond. Seeing the kids thrive and hearing from parents that we’ve made a positive impact on their child’s development is what makes it all worth it. I want readers to know that our daycare is more than just a business its passion project with deep roots. We’re built on a legacy of care, dedication, and community involvement. Every decision we make is centered on the well-being of the children and their families. We’re here to serve the community, it’s our mission to make every child feel valued and to partner with parents in nurturing their little ones. We’re constantly researching ways to improve and grow, whether you’re a new parent or just looking for advice on early childhood education we want to be a resource you can count on.
How do you think about happiness?
Seeing the impact that I have on the lives of children and their families. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching a child hit different milestones, whether its taking their first steps or knowing how to count 1-20 knowing that I played even a small role in their growth brings me so much joy. I also love connecting with parents and giving them peace of mind. Hearing their gratitude and seeing their trust in what we do motivates me every day. On a personal level, it makes me happy to know that I’m building something meaningful , a business that serves my community and creates a lasting legacy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://littlejourneyslc.com/
