Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth.
Hi Elizabeth, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always loved working with young children. There was never any question that whatever career path I took, it would involve working with kids in some capacity. I had a lot of experience working in preschools in my college years and as my first job upon graduation. I have always loved that age and felt passionate about early childhood education, knowing what a huge impact the first 5 years of life has on a person’s development.
After working at a local preschool in Austin, another woman and I decided to team up together and open up our dream preschool to teach in. We pulled ideas from different schools that we had worked in or what we wish they had offered. It became a melting pot of ideas and philosophies that I loved and admired. We pulled from the Montessori Philosophy, Reggio Emilia, and Peach Education. I also wanted my school to emphasize the importance of learning in nature with hands on cooking and gardening activities. It is has evolved and grown a lot over the years but it still remains the same sweet school with the same core values of peace, respect, responsibly and community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was never a smooth road, however, it does seem like things have fallen into place rather easily at many times a long the way. One of the biggest challenges was navigating how to run a school and support a community during COVID. Unfortunately, there was very little direction for school leaders like myself. I had to set up my own policies and run and school during a really scary time. It was also really scary not knowing if my business would survive during a time like this. I remember fearing that I would lose everything. Thankfully, the community of parents and teachers worked together to support one another and we came out much stronger in the end.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Green Sprout Preschool?
I own and run a preschool in East Austin called Green Sprout Preschool. We are committed to providing the best learning experience in an environment that welcomes and stimulates growth and creativity. We believe that by combining theories from the Montessori Method, the Reggio Emilia Philosophy and Peace Education, we are able to provide your child with a well-rounded and child-directed curriculum. We always encourage a spirit of fun exploration and purposeful play. It is our goal to have each child graduate from Green Sprout with a love for learning.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I felt very much alone for a long time in this field. I recently started working with Texas Rising Star and Workforce Solutions which I am so grateful for. I think that there are a lot more resources than many of us realize that want to support young professionals. I have an amazing mentor who I found through Texas Workforce Solutions who has been a great support for me in this last year. I also encourage everyone to just reach out to more established businesses for advice and support. I wish I had done that when I first opened but I think I was afraid to ask. Most people want to see others succeed and are excited to offer guidance in a field they love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.greensproutpreschool.com
- Instagram: @greensproutpreschool
