How can a passionate educator transform early childhood education and create a network of high-quality preschools that serve diverse communities?

In this episode, Hanadi Rousan, Program Director of VDA Inc., shares her inspiring journey from teacher assistant to leader of a six-location preschool program in California's Central Valley. Hanadi discusses how she built a successful preschool network that consistently achieves five-star ratings, driven by her belief that preschool is the foundation for a child's future success.

Hanadi highlights the importance of intentional, quality-focused early childhood education and fostering strong relationships with families. She shares insights on implementing innovative assessment and curriculum strategies, including the Learning Genie platform, to enhance children's learning experiences.

As the leader of a growing preschool network, Hanadi aims to elevate the recognition of preschool teachers and make quality education universally accessible. She discusses the challenges of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, including adapting to new safety protocols and supporting children's social-emotional needs post-lockdown. Hanadi also shares her approach to staff retention and development in a field often undervalued by society.

Mentors that inspired Hanadi:

Her father and mother, were both educators who instilled a passion for learning
Diana Decker, a respected mentor in early childhood education who exemplified genuine and intentional teaching
Her own children, who have taught her valuable life lessons and continue to inspire her work
Colleagues and staff members who contribute to the collaborative environment at VDA Inc.

Tune in for valuable insights on building a successful preschool program, overcoming industry challenges, and creating a positive impact in early childhood education and family support.

References:

Website - https://www.vdainc.net/

Anthony Codispoti, AddBack Benefits Agency

https://www.addbackbenefitsagency.com/

Transcript | Creating Five-Star Preschools: VDA Inc.'s Approach with Hanadi Rousan

Youtube - Inspired Stories Podcast by AddBack BenefitsAgency

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-2KCy3zqjALje6hwzWT0VA

Creating Five-Star Preschools: VDA Inc.'s Approach with Hanadi Rousan

The Inspired Stories Podcast