Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Cato.
Hi Amber, 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?
Years ago I taught kindergarten, knowing that once I had children I wanted to stay home with them. I loved being home with my kiddos, but a young family with bills, I wanted to have a little something of my own and help pay a few bills. I worked part time as a parent educator with parents as teachers for the Smithville School district. . I was approached shortly after by a church asking if I would could use their empty space during the week and start a Parent’s Day Out program. I started a small program there and it quickly grew to a second location off Barry Rd when the Unity Church asked if I could do the same thing in their building. Fast forward to now, Northland Preschool has 1 large location in Hope Church off green hills rd and 152. This continues to be a half day preschool program so myself and all of our teachers can be available for own kids activites. Over the years this has been such a blessing allowing me to still utilize my teaching skills and love for early childhood education, AND be the mom I wanted to be for my own kids.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve had to learn the business side of things as I’ve gone along. Then 2020 came along and this little thing called COVID hit…..So many preschools and early childhood centers didn’t survive and had to close their doors. April and May of 2020 we were charging 1/2 tuition and our wonderful families were supportive of having drive through preschool. We would put together learning kits each week with our originally planned themes and our sweet families would drive through and pick up their packets, wave at us and park around the parking lot to see and wave at all of their friends. We continued on with preschool the following fall and returned stronger than ever! Now we serve 50-60 families!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Northland Preschool?
We are a part time preschool serving ages 2-5. We are a play based, hands on learning program preparing children socially, emotionally and academically for preschool. We offer small class sizes so that we can really dive into learning with each child. We offer flexible scheduling options. I am so proud of all our exceptional teachers and the loving environment we create.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I now offer online support and coaching to other teachers and moms ready to start their own preschools! @LifeatPreschool on instagram is where people find me. I work with many teachers across the US, as well as UK, Australia, Canada and even Dubai!
Pricing:
- T/TH-$225
- M/W/F-$305
- 5 Day-$525
Contact Info:
- Website: https://northlandpreschool.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthlandPreschool/
