Today we’d like to introduce you to Durann Probst.
Hi Durann, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In college I had a hard time deciding what I wanted to do- as a creative person I’ve always found it hard to stick to one thing, one interest that I could do for my whole. Entire. Life. Sounds daunting. So, as I wasted my parents money and my time getting a general associates degree, I decided to get a job at a preschool around the corner from my apartment. Honestly, just applying for the check at the end of each month, not knowing I’d leave there with an absolute passion for early childhood education.
At my time at this center, I was the lead teacher of a class of 3 year olds. Working so closely with children during the most rapid cognitive growth period of their lives was awe inspiring- seeing connections form in their brand new brains in real time was nothing short of incredible, and it inspired me to think of new and creative ways to form those neural pathways. The nature of the job soothed the existential dilemma that I had of having to choose one thing to do for my whole life because the only way to successfully do this job was to do something different each day and for every unique child. On top of creating tailored, scaffolded lesson plans and teaching children new things daily, there is an inherent artistic quality to this job. Creating a whimsical classroom environment, choosing colors for the surroundings that subliminally calm and inspire students, decorating the classroom on theme of holidays and special lessons are all bonus parts of the career that have solidified my love for what I do.
After my time at this center, I knew I wanted to open my own daycare to give myself even more creative control. I started Cuerny Kids in a guest room in the house that me and my husband bought together in 2021, just two blocks from my childhood home in Cuernavaca. Very soon after I started, I realized I would need more space. My husband, as supportive as I could ever hope, suggested I renovate our garage and turn it into a classroom. I needed some capital, because we were, as some say, house poor after buying our first home. Not much extra cash! So I applied for an in home daycare expansion grant. How niche and exactly what I was looking for?! It was fate! That was 3 years ago, now Cuerny Kids has a full classroom, an assistant teacher, and we do annual community events in the neighborhood that everyone loves to be a part of.
I’m over the moon with my choice to go my own route and make the life for myself that I’ve always wanted. More importantly, I’m grateful and honored to provide a safe, fun and loving environment for the children of the neighborhood that made me who I am to learn and explore the world around them.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’m assuming that with starting any business there are plenty of bumps in the road to try and dodge or just run right on over ’em. In expanding Cuerny Kids, the biggest struggle I faced was getting capital to carry out the renovation for the classroom. Luckily, I was able to find a grant for exactly what I was doing, but just because I had the link to apply did not guarantee that I would be awarded with the money.
I worked for almost two months on a detailed business plan, organized financial records from the past and for future projections, detailed my exact renovation plans, and outlined exactly how I would allocate the funds. I kept my head down, focused on my goal and was ultimately awarded the grant money to carry out my dreams!
After getting the grant money, actually facilitating a renovation all on my own was a whole other monster that I had never tackled before. But overall, it was just another opportunity for me to get creative and create something beautiful for my students to use and enjoy.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Owning and operating a daycare has so many rewarding elements in the day-to-day, but one of my favorite aspects of Cuerny Kids so far has been the annual community events that I have organized.
The first event that I put on, that inspired all the rest, was actually a fundraiser for our playground. The families of Cuerny Kids and I put our efforts together to round up as many baked goods and sweet treats as we could and had a bake sale at everyones favorite neighborhood spot, Patrizis (shoutout! So good if you’ve not tried it) We worked all night to raise funds to build out an amazing playscape for my students to enjoy. A big upgrade from the dirt clad backyard that they were used to. The kids had so much fun selling cookies and brownies and when we finally got the playground upgraded they felt such a sense of accomplishment!
After seeing how amazing the community was in supporting us, the next year I put on a free neighborhood petting zoo event! This time not for a cause, just simply to see my community come together and have a great time on a beautiful summer morning petting some adorable little animals, face painting and some fun crafts. It went off without a hitch-well.. only a few people got spit on by the alpaca, but overall it was a blast!
This year I am planning on having a bigger event for charity- think Coachella for kids! Bounce house, balloon artists, vendors from the neighborhood, raffles and much more!
What’s next?
As I inch, emphasis on inch, into my 30’s I am hoping to start a family of my own. In a perfect world, I will find someone that I love and trust to take over for me full time so that Cuerny Kids can continue to serve my community with a safe and loving space for their children to grow.
Pricing:
- 14mo-17mo Full time care: $1650/month
- 18mo-4years full time care: $1450/mo
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.CuernyKids.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuernykids/
Image Credits
-None-
