Childcare Spotlight: Children's Place Association, Chicago IL

We’re excited to introduce our new Childcare Spotlight series, featuring The Children’s Place Association. In this series, we highlight insights and stories from leading childcare providers across the country. Would you like to see your childcare center featured here? Let us know!

Childcare Spotlight: Children's Place Association

• Location
  • Chicago
• What age range of children does your center/school serve?
  • Birth-5
• How many children are currently enrolled at your center/school?
  • 74
• How long have you been working in childcare?
  • Tanisha Jones: 15 years
  • Yesenia Leon: over 10 years

What inspired you to work in this field?
TJ: It runs in the family. 

YL: My mom was a caregiver, and I often helped her growing up. It felt like a natural path for me—something I truly enjoy and feel passionate about.

What’s your favorite part of working in childcare? What’s the most challenging aspect?
TJ: My favorite part is being able to nurture both children and their families. I also love the continuity of care—spending up to two years with the same children and watching their growth over time. The most challenging part is not always having the proper resources to support children with more complex behavioral needs.

YL: My favorite part is watching kids develop into their own little persons. The most challenging part is recognizing that not everyone has a strong understanding of child development. Supporting families and helping them navigate those challenges can be difficult, but it’s also incredibly important.

What do you find most rewarding about working in childcare?
TJ: Watching the children grow into young adults is incredibly rewarding. Even after they leave, many families come back to visit—whether it’s to visit teachers, younger siblings, cousins, or friends attending now. Seeing how well they’re doing in school and staying connected means so much. 

YL: It’s the heartfelt thank-yous from families and the genuine “I love yous” from the children. Those moments are real, meaningful, and remind me why I do this every day.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received about working with children?
TJ1: Even though you think you know the early childhood education field, always go in with an open mind to learn more. 

YL: Take a deep breath and be patient. Everyone goes at their own pace for everything. 

Do you have any favorite tips, tricks, or classroom hacks to share with other educators?
TJ: Take your vitamins. 

YL: Relax. It’s not as serious as you think it is. It’s okay to have fun!

What’s one thing you wish more people understood about early childhood education?
TJ: When I first started, I often heard people say, “it’s just daycare.” But it’s so much more than that—children learn through play. The hands-on activities we guide give them the opportunity to explore, discover, and engage with a meaningful curriculum. Every moment of play is a chance to learn, grow, and build important skills that last far beyond the classroom.

YL: How impactful early education truly is on child development. A child’s first learning experiences play a powerful role in shaping who they become, laying the foundation for their growth, confidence, and future success.

Do you have any favorite Foundations or Gaggle products? If so, which ones and why?
TJ: The cozy corner. This is where the kids are able to self regulate. 

YL: I like Gaggle strollers! They are great for outdoor activities. 

What is your most used product in your center? 
TJ: We use a lot of stuff, but our curriculum is our most used item. 

YL: Tables and chairs. Having a nice table and a nice chair really makes a difference.

How do you see the childcare industry evolving in the next few years?
TJ: I see technology evolving. We are turning over to a tech world. We are going to be using more high tech like computers and screens inside the classroom since kids are visual learners and on devices more as a nature of society. 

YL: I think it’s becoming more adaptive into integrating diverse needs for both the kids that are learning and the teachers that are teaching.