We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Linda Sego. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Linda below.
Linda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
Once upon a time, over 40 years ago, I was a young mother in sunny California, eager to learn how to be the best parent I could be. With a heart full of love for my growing family, I enrolled in Early Childhood Education courses at my local community college. Little did I know, this was the first step on a journey that would change my life forever.
As I immersed myself in my studies, my passion for nurturing young minds blossomed. I began working at a small daycare program, gaining invaluable experience that fueled my desire to create a positive impact in children’s lives. However, as my family continued to grow, so did our need for additional income. Inspired by my newfound knowledge and experience, I decided to take a leap of faith and open a home daycare. This was just the beginning of my dreams.
With each passing day, my aspirations grew larger. I envisioned owning a daycare center outside of my home that could accommodate more children and provide a nurturing environment for them to thrive. I knew that to turn this vision into reality, I needed to explore my options.
My days were filled with exploration and analysis. I would drive through neighborhoods, eyeing empty homes and buildings, mentally calculating their potential as daycare centers. Was there enough parking? Did they have a backyard? Was the area safe and welcoming? My mind was a whirlwind of possibilities, and I was always on the lookout for creative art projects for preschoolers. I would even drag a friend along to tour other daycare facilities, taking meticulous notes on what I admired and felt could be improved. My passion consumed me, and I often dreamed of how I would transform a space into a vibrant daycare.
Amidst all this, I began writing a book on how to open and operate a daycare. Unbeknownst to me, I was crafting my business plan, pouring years of thought and reflection into each page.
Then came a turning point in 2007. My husband lost his job, and I was working as the director at Building Blocks Preschool in California. As we both began applying for jobs in Utah, I received an offer to become the director of a daycare center in Magna, Utah. Eager for a fresh start, I packed my bags, leaving my husband and youngest son behind, who was finishing his senior year in high school.
However, upon my arrival, reality struck. The state childcare licensing was shutting down the daycare due to numerous violations. It was a bitter disappointment after quitting my stable job in California. But instead of panicking, I took a deep breath and sprang into action. I contacted the owner, proposing a plan to revitalize the struggling center.
Despite its disheveled state, the daycare still had children attending, and I saw potential where others saw despair. With my energy and creativity, I knew I could turn it around. After negotiating a fair but financially manageable offer with the landlord, I rallied my four strong boys to help clean and remodel the facility. It was a labor of love that took three months and every ounce of savings I had, plus a few credit cards.
Finally, on November 7, 2007, I opened the doors to my first daycare center. The journey had been fraught with inspections, background checks, and the ever-present pressure of meeting state regulations. Yet, before I even opened my doors, the phone rang with inquiries from potential clients eager to enroll their children.
Seventeen years later, my story continues to unfold. I have successfully opened two more centers, and my passion for early childhood education remains as vibrant as ever. Now, I enjoy the flexibility of working from home or wherever my travels take me. My role has evolved into that of a supportive leader, checking in on my staff and children, organizing creative events like our annual Christmas party, and fostering a community of love and learning.
My journey from a young mother seeking knowledge to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and unwavering dedication. And while my story has reached many milestones, I know the adventure is far from over.
Linda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
For those who may not be familiar with my journey, I’d like to take a moment to share the story behind Sunshine Academy and the passion that fuels our mission. My love for early childhood education blossomed years ago, deeply rooted in my own experiences as a parent. I witnessed firsthand the profound impact of quality care and education on a child’s development, shaping their future in remarkable ways. This realization ignited a spark within me, leading to the establishment of Sunshine Academy—a place dedicated to nurturing a love for learning in children from infancy through school-age children.
At Sunshine Academy, we offer a diverse range of programs meticulously tailored to meet the developmental needs of every child. From the tender moments spent in our infant care programs, where we emphasize sensory exploration and bonding, to our engaging preschool curriculum that ignites creativity and critical thinking, each aspect of our approach is designed with care. We recognize that children grow and learn at their own pace, and our age-appropriate curricula encourage exploration and growth in a safe, supportive environment.
Our unwavering commitment to providing personalized experiences for each child is what sets Sunshine Academy apart. We understand that every child is unique, and we strive to ensure they feel valued and supported throughout their learning journey. Our dedicated team members bring extensive experience in working with children, and all teaching staff are certified in their respective fields, guaranteeing a high-quality learning experience that fosters confidence and curiosity.
In addition to our educational offerings, we proudly provide exceptional before and after-school care, as well as a summer program that stands out in the community. This flexibility allows families to balance their busy lives while ensuring that their children continue to learn and engage in enriching activities. Our preschool program, in particular, has earned a reputation as one of the best in the state, thanks to our highly trained staff, who undergo continuous professional development throughout the year.
Community involvement is another cornerstone of our mission. I take great pride in our partnership with Sister to Sister, where we create scarves for the homeless in Salt Lake City. This initiative not only teaches our children the importance of service but also allows them to engage in meaningful charity projects each month. Our commitment to making a positive impact was recognized when we received the Utah Community Builder Award, honoring our efforts during the pandemic alongside other remarkable honorees from various sectors.
Our facilities, located in West Valley, UT, Magna, UT, and Alpine, UT, are designed to be welcoming and safe for all children. We accept both sign-ups and drop-ins, making it convenient for families to access our services and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
One of my most cherished experiences was volunteering at a preschool in Guatemala, where we introduced children to sensory play through activities like making cloud dough. The joy that lit up their faces was unforgettable and reinforced my belief in the transformative power of creative learning. We also had the pleasure of volunteering in Cuzco, Peru, and San Jose, Costa Rica, where we immersed ourselves in different cultures while forging lasting connections with children.
At Sunshine Academy, we are not just about providing care; we are about fostering a vibrant community where children can thrive, learn, and develop a sense of empathy and service. I invite potential clients, followers, and fans to join us on this journey as we continue to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families in our community. For more information, please visit us at sunshineacademyut.com. Together, let’s illuminate the path to a brighter future for our children.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
One of the most significant influences on my management and entrepreneurial philosophy has been Thelma Harms’ book, “Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale.” This resource has developed my approach to early childhood education and care.
I was fortunate enough to attend a training session led by Thelma herself while I was living in California. The experience was transformative; I gained insights from her extensive knowledge and had the rare opportunity to engage in hands-on learning directly from the author. This training has proven invaluable, especially recently, as Utah state childcare services have adopted Thelma Harms’ rating scale as the benchmark for their Quality Care Program.
The Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale is designed specifically for preschool, kindergarten, and childcare classrooms serving children aged 2½ to 5. It serves as a comprehensive program quality assessment tool that can be utilized by program directors for supervision and program improvement, teaching staff for self-assessment, and even agency staff for monitoring purposes. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in teacher training programs, ensuring educators are well-equipped to provide the highest quality of care and education.
By integrating the principles outlined in this book into my daycare philosophy, I have created an enriching environment that prioritizes the developmental needs of young children. The emphasis on quality assessment and continuous improvement resonates deeply with my commitment to fostering a nurturing and stimulating atmosphere at Sunshine Academy. The insights I gained from Thelma Harms have enhanced my management practices and significantly benefited the children and families we serve.
In summary, Thelma Harms’ work has been a guiding light in my journey, inspiring me to strive for excellence in early childhood education and to continually seek ways to improve the experiences we provide for our children.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
In the heart of my community, there was a vision waiting to be realized—a vision that would soon become Sunshine Academy. However, the journey to bring this dream to life was anything but easy; it was a testament to resilience, hard work, and unwavering determination.
When I first embarked on this adventure, the space that would become Sunshine Academy was in disarray. The previous daycare had been shut down due to numerous state violations, and the remnants of that chapter were evident everywhere I looked. It was a daunting task, but I was fueled by my passion for early childhood education and the desire to create a safe, nurturing environment for children.
I enlisted the help of my boys, who traveled from out of state to support me. We dove headfirst into the chaos, side by side, ready to tackle the mess. It was hard labor—grueling and unrelenting. We filled over 22 large dumpsters with debris, remnants of neglect that needed to be cleared away to make room for new beginnings. Together, we hand-painted over 3,500 square feet, transforming the space with every stroke of the brush.
The challenges didn’t stop there. We tore out old, stained carpets and replaced them with fresh flooring. We installed new toilets and replaced outdated appliances, all while being acutely aware that our budget was dwindling. Resourcefulness became our ally; we bought plywood and crafted our own toy shelves, and we scoured garage sales and thrift stores to fill those shelves with toys that would inspire joy and creativity in the children who would soon walk through our doors.
Determined to spread the word about our new daycare, I took to the streets, dragging my kids along as we went door to door in the neighborhood, hanging door hangers and sharing our vision. I even spent countless nights at the center, waking up early to ensure that I could make the most of every moment. Time was of the essence; my boys couldn’t stay forever, and I knew I had to make the most of their support.
After three months of relentless hard work, we finally opened Sunshine Academy. But the long hours didn’t end there; they transformed into a new phase of challenges. I was now faced with the realities of running a business—managing payroll, staffing, scheduling employees, handling upset parents, and navigating the labyrinth of state-required paperwork and taxes. None of this was covered in my schooling or teaching experience, but I approached each task with a willingness to learn and adapt.
Mistakes were inevitable, but I embraced them as opportunities for growth. It took time to find the right staff, and not everyone I hired was a good fit. I faced betrayal and disappointment when some employees stole from me or made poor judgments. Yet, through patience and perseverance, I learned to build a team that reflected my values and commitment to excellence.
Today, I am proud to say I have a wonderful staff—loyal, dedicated, and exceptional in their roles. Our hard work has paid off; we enroll new clients almost every day, and our love and care have created a thriving community.
Reflecting on this journey, I realize that resilience is not just about enduring hardship; it’s about embracing challenges with an open heart and a determined spirit. Each obstacle I faced was a stepping stone that led me closer to my dream. Sunshine Academy is not just a daycare; it is a testament to the power of hard work, the importance of community, and the unwavering belief that with resilience, anything is possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sunshineacademyut.com
- Instagram: sunshineacademy_utah
- Facebook: Sunshine Academy–Utah Preschool and daycare
Image Credits
Linda Sego, these are just personal photos