Or Miss Amanda if you prefer. This is my journey to where I am today--the owner and lead teacher of Little Learners Papillion Preschool.

Taking care of kids has been a regular part of my life. I am the oldest of four children–the youngest being 12 years younger than me, so I had the opportunity to babysit A LOT.

I remember coming up with ways to pass the time during summers such as creating edible playdough. At the end of each day, I would challenge my siblings to get the whole house clean before mom came home. I also made lists each day of what we did and intentions for the next day.

Looking back, it seems inevitable I would work with kids as an educator. In addition to caring for my siblings, I babysat for other families throughout my early teen years. I nannied while I went to college for dietetics in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Then I moved to Minnesota with my now husband, Mr. Dave. During the coldest winter in 30 years, I worked on my food and fitness blog. One reader complimented the way I explain complicated concepts in a way she could understand.

Moving back to Nebraska, I worked at a coffee catering company. We served many local schools where I had the opportunity to chat with teachers and staff. My boss often told me I was so patient when training new employees.

At the age of 29 years old I decided to pursue an Elementary Education degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO).

While taking classes and looking for houses with Mr. Dave, I got a job at the UNO Childcare Center. I loved walking to the center after class and experiencing the little humans’ brains at work. Everything was organized and structured–not at all like when I went to daycare. I often thought about working there after I graduated.

Life had other plans for me though! Mr. Dave and I found a house in Papillion, Nebraska. I had lived in Omaha my whole life, so I was apprehensive about the move to the suburbs. But we were excited about the great school system for our future children.

I did my student teaching in Papillion La Vista Community Schools in a third grade classroom. My cooperating teacher was amazing–so full of love for the kids, a sense of humor that helped her deal with the overwhelming expectations, and enjoyed working with her coworkers. It was a great experience.

I graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with an Elementary Education degree with an emphasis in STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math).

I soon found a job in the district and Papillion LaVista Public Schools became my home for the next four years. I taught fifth grade one year and first grade three years.

If you add that to my student teaching in third grade and teaching at the UNO Childcare Center preschool, I have experience in a wide variety of age groups!

A little bundle of joy came into our lives. He rocked our whole world! Suddenly I had my own little human to love and teach.

If you're reading this, you probably understand the toll a new baby can take on your mind, body, and soul. Extreme happiness mixed with crazy fatigue topped with a love you've never known.

In addition to caring for a new human, teaching first grade, and new leadership at my building who was shaking things up, my dad got sick. Like brain cancer sick. The plates in the air came tumbling down pretty quickly.

With new priorities, I decided it was time to make a change. I was passionate about helping my students grow and supporting the families in my lower income school. There were just so many of them!

Talking with neighbors in Papillion, I noticed a need. Many families wanted part-time child care, but large centers only offered fulltime pricing. I would also hear parents talk about, “do you know what kids need to know for Kindergarten these days??” often with frustration and astonishment.

What if there was a childcare environment that offered part-time options and prepared kids for elementary school? What if it took place in a home-away-from-home setting? What if children were taught by a former elementary teacher who has seen first hand the gaps in education and expectations in the classroom?

What if I opened this mythical place?

Mr. Dave and I consulted with family, friends, therapists, and our cats. Then we decided to demolish our whole lower level and lay the foundations for a new preschool sanctuary.

After a few months of construction (Mr. Dave is a saint), Little Learners Papillion Preschool opened on September 5, 2023.

Wow. I can't believe I'm here!

Writing my story has made me feel even more confident that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. I mean, I get to play with kids as a job! Yes, it's exhausting work, but so fulfilling and fun. I feel the same passion for my students as I did teaching at a public school, but now I have the capacity to meet their unique needs.

Thanks for reading about my journey to becoming a preschool teacher. I'd love to have your kiddo join the fun! Sign up for a meeting and we can chat soon.