We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Monique Dawkins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Monique below.

Monique, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

I want my legacy to reflect the lives I’ve touched and the lasting impact of the work I’ve done with children, families, and educators. My hope is that people will say I didn’t just create programs or systems, but that I helped people believe in themselves, step into their purpose, and build stronger communities. I want to be remembered for leading with compassion and integrity, for opening doors to equity and excellence, and for leaving behind a foundation that others can continue to grow from.

My legacy is not only about early childhood education, but about the betterment of young children and families, and ensuring a quality beginning to their educational and developmental journey. I want to leave behind a blueprint of what it truly means to serve with integrity and to lead with both courage and compassion. More than anything, I hope the seeds I’ve planted will continue to flourish, creating ripples of impact that shape generations long after I am gone.

Monique, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Monique Dawkins, EdS, the Founder, CEO, and Executive Early Learning Consultant of Quality Beginnings Coaching & Consulting Solutions. My path into early childhood education began more than twenty years ago as a classroom teacher and expanded into roles as an instructional coach, early learning specialist, and training specialist. Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand the power of strong beginnings and the way they shape children, families, and the communities that support them. This belief inspired me to create Quality Beginnings Coaching & Consulting Solutions, a space where educators, leaders, and providers can access the guidance, training, and resources they need to ensure every child receives a solid foundation.

Through my work, I provide coaching, consulting, and professional development tailored to early childhood educators and child care programs. From supporting candidates through the CDA Success Path™ to delivering Core of Knowledge training and leadership coaching, my focus is always on equipping others with the tools, confidence, and strategies to grow with purpose. What sets my work apart is the way I combine deep professional expertise with a genuine commitment to equity and access.

What I am most proud of is knowing that my work strengthens early learning classrooms, empowers educators, and uplifts families and children during their most formative years. Quality Beginnings Coaching & Consulting Solutions is more than a business to me; it is part of my life’s legacy. My hope is that people will see this brand as a reflection of integrity, compassion, and excellence, and that the seeds planted through my work will continue to grow and impact generations to come.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

A moment that reflects my resilience was when I made the decision to step out on faith and build Quality Beginnings Coaching & Consulting Solutions completely on my own. With no outside funding or investors, I personally funded every part of this agency through hard work, sacrifice, and determination. There were times when resources were limited and the challenges were real, but I remained committed to the vision because I knew the work was bigger than me. My resilience showed in the long nights spent developing trainings, creating systems from the ground up, and pressing forward even when the path was unclear. Today, when I see the educators I have coached, the programs I have supported, and the families and children who have been impacted, I am reminded that resilience is not just about overcoming difficulties but about building something lasting with integrity and grit that will continue to create impact for generations to come.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was believing that I had to do everything by myself to prove I was capable. For a long time, I carried the mindset that success meant handling every detail, every task, and every challenge without leaning on anyone else. That came from being in roles where I often felt pressure to over-deliver and show that I could manage it all on my own.

As I grew in leadership and began building my business, I realized that way of thinking was holding me back. It left me stretched thin and limited the growth I was working toward. I had to release the idea that asking for help or collaborating was a sign of weakness. What I found instead is that partnership, teamwork, and community create space for greater impact. Learning to trust others with pieces of the work has strengthened my business and allowed me to focus on the bigger vision with more clarity and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.qualitybeginningsccs.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quality_beginnings_ccs
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Quality-Beginnings-Coaching-Consulting-Solutions/100088544495155/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-dawkins-052627141
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@QBCCS