With a passion for early childhood and supporting each child’s individuality and growth, Tonya Jenkins is realizing her dream of building family and community through Children of the Future Learning Center.
Tonya Jenkins’ commitment to children and education continues to push her toward growth. She has worked with children from birth to 18 in childcare and public schools for over 20 years. She started her journey in early-childcare as a high school volunteer. After working as an aide, she attained her early childhood development diploma from Rasmussen University. Eventually, she got a master’s degree in early childhood from Walden University and her teaching license. She was the manager or assistant director at several centers and ultimately decided that she wanted to open her own child care center.
Her goal is to create a “safe, loving environment where children have opportunities to learn and to build positive relationships with peers and teachers. Early childhood development is a vital piece of education for young children and it is important that they have a place to develop their unique talents, socialize and explore. They need the freedom to have activities to learn at their own pace and develop individuality in an environment that supports diversity and inclusion.” Tonya takes pride that Children of the Future is more than a learning center. “We are a family.”
But the path to this moment has not been without crisis and pain for Tonya. In 2019, Tonya was working with both WomenVenture and First Children’s Finance to open her center when she lost her eighteen-year-old son. During this time of grief, she paused her dream while she began to heal. When she returned, she says WomenVenture’s staff were “Lifesavers in a time of heartache and pain. They helped me get through it and encouraged me to pursue my dreams.” Tonya also expresses gratitude for First Children’s Finance who also partnered with Tonya in helping her open Children of the Future.
Children of the Future Learning Center serves infants through age 6. Within the program, children develop skills that promote physical, emotional, social and intellectual growth. Tonya’s approach is focused on supporting parents and welcoming their positive involvement and presence at all times. Teachers and parents work together to provide the love and support needed as children reach developmental milestones. Currently, the program employs one full-time and one part-time teacher along with Tonya. Tonya is currently devoting long hours to the business as she balances entrepreneurship with caring for the children.
Tonya advises other childcare business owners that “planning is important.” She recommends seeking support from financial advisors and others in the field. She notes that the business aspect isn’t always easy for people drawn to early childhood. “We don’t do it for the money. It’s a passion. I am called to this field and the reward is far more than monetary, it’s watching children reach their full potential”.
Author: Lisa Day, WomenVenture Grants Manager
