Author and Family Child Care Business Coach and Owner, DeShonda Jennings is excited to be working on an upcoming Book Collaboration titled The Journey of An Early Childhood Educator. DeShonda shared with us that this book is so important and needed to help fill the childcare gaps throughout the nation. New and Aspiring Early Childhood Educators will be able to learn from the experiences of a diverse group of ECE. This book will list the ups and downs and explain how early Childhood Educators were able to sustain and launch their business.
DeShonda is the founder of DJ It Takes A Village Child Care Association. DeShonda has over 20 years’ experience in childcare and 16 plus in entrepreneurship. She currently serves as an advocate and mentor for children as well as a mentor to women who wish to start a home daycare business. DeShonda also mentors her business partners so that they too may be successful.
If someone were to ask you who is DeShonda Jennings, what would your reply be?
DeShonda: A country girl from Lunenburg County that was a daddy’s girl. I love to dance as well as help people launch a business using their gift. Then I would say, my titles include being a mom of 7, Ma-Dee (AKA grandma) to 5, sister, daughter, and friend.
With over 20 years’ of experience in childcare, what is vital for our readers to know about Early Childhood Resources?
DeShonda: The resources are there. The pandemic opened up so many resources for Childcare. Officials saw that Childcare is a vital business for people to work in the economy. I advise readers to check their local Department of Social Services as well as the Early Childhood Foundation in their area/state. Resources are available for mental health, early intervention services, as well as subsidy/stipends for Childcare. Based on your state, your local United Way may also have a scholarship for single parents. That scholarship will help with childcare costs while single moms attend school. For providers, I have a FREE Checklist www.10mistakes2avoid.com
Team building plays a role in everything that you do. What are some characteristics you look for in building a team?
DeShonda: The main characteristics that I look for include being dependable, flexible, positive attitude, accountability, and clear and open communication. I believe if you have these characteristics, everything else can be taught. To elaborate on a few: For example, in the childcare business, teacher: student ratio must be in compliance. So in this field, you need dependable staff as well as a flexible schedule. When working with our youth, a positive attitude is non negotiable for everything we do will affect the experiences that they have. These skills are transferable to whatever career that one may choose.
What are some qualities you have that have made you a resilient leader?
DeShonda: Some qualities that have made me a resilient leader are my ability to adapt, being open to change, a growth mindset, and always learning. As a resilient leader, I had to be open to pivoting when needed but staying focused on my end goal. Sometimes you may have to change things as well as face challenges, but you cannot lose focus on the end result/your goal. Always learning. Things are changing and I did not allow myself to be “stuck” in what used to be. My growth mindset has contributed to my success. Looking at the opportunities versus seeing obstacles.
Are you working on any new books lately? If so, what exclusive news can you share with us about it at this time?
DeShonda: A Collaboration Book titled “The Journey of an Early Childhood Educator.” This book will be a collection of Childcare Providers and Early Childhood Educators sharing the stories of how they launched and sustained a profitable business through ups and downs. This book will be a tool to inspire and encourage others who may be going through similar experiences as well as a resource for new and aspiring Early Childhood Educators.
What current or future goals do you have to empower others through your platform, services, and resources?
DeShonda: DJ It Takes A Village Child Care Association is an association in which Home Based and Center Based Child Care Owners may join to network with other Early Childhood Educators. Community Partners may also join. In the association, resources are given out to share with parents as well as resources for Early Childhood Educators. We have a mixture of virtual and in-person meetings which includes training. My services included VIP Days, and 1-on-1 Coaching. My books are resources for others looking to transition from corporate to entrepreneurship, a resource for launching a quality Home Based Childcare Business, Setting up your childcare, as well as self-help/motivational books.
Get connected with DeShonda on social media:
Linkedn: DeShondajennings
FB: www.facebook.com/deshonda.jennings
IG: www.instagram.com/deshonda_j
Dr. Trenice J. Brinkley is a distinguished educator, renowned publicist, and successful entrepreneur. She is celebrated for her unwavering work ethic, strong determination, and philanthropic spirit. As an award-winning celebrity publicist, Dr. Brinkley excels in helping brands create compelling narratives, develop innovative strategies, and achieve greater visibility.
