We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shandreca Gibson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shandreca, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

I had a client who was going through a rough time with her child’s father. One day she told me she has to remove her child from my daycare and enroll her into a free daycare. I had many concerns because she enrolled her child into my daycare when she was 6 weeks old, and I developed a bond with her child. My first concern was overcrowding, infectious diseases, lack of supplies, and so much more. When she arrived to pick up her daughter, I came up with a solution. I told her to apply for childcare subsidy and I would reduce her fees until she is approved. I felt a tingle in my heart because I was able to help her financially and her daughter would still attend my daycare. She cried and gave me a hug because she never thought a daycare provider would appreciate the parents more than the money. I was truly honored to have her daughter in my daycare until she enrolled into school.

Shandreca, 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?

Introduction: I’m a proud disabled veteran with a bachelor’s degree in social work, and minors in psychology and African American studies. My love for caring for children comes from being the oldest of eight siblings, and it has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. This natural passion, combined with my education and military experience, inspired me to open Little People Village, a licensed home daycare where every child is treated with the utmost care and attention. Our motto, “a child is a child first,” reflects my belief that children deserve to be embraced and nurtured in a safe and supportive environment that celebrates who they are.

How I Got into the Industry: Caring for others is deeply rooted in my personal journey. My background in social work has provided me with a strong foundation to understand the developmental needs of children, while my military service has instilled a strong sense of discipline and responsibility. With this combination, starting a daycare felt like the perfect next step. I wanted to create a space where children could thrive emotionally, socially, and academically, with the same care I gave to my own siblings growing up.

Services I Provide: At Little People Village, I offer a range of childcare services, including part-time, full-time, and drop-in care. We are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday to accommodate busy parents. Our services focus on providing a nurturing, structured environment with activities that support early childhood development. We encourage exploration, creativity, and learning through play, while ensuring that each child’s unique needs are met.

What Sets Me Apart: What sets Little People Village apart from other daycare centers is my personal approach to caregiving. As someone with formal education in social work and psychology, I understand the importance of catering to both the emotional and cognitive development of children. Additionally, being a veteran, I bring a sense of structure and reliability that many parents appreciate. My daycare is not just a place for children to be supervised; it is a space for growth, discovery, and learning, all underpinned by values of respect, compassion, and understanding.

Problems I Solve: I aim to solve the challenges parents face when seeking reliable, high-quality childcare that aligns with their values. Whether it’s providing flexible care for working parents with varied schedules, or ensuring that children receive individualized attention and care, Little People Village is designed to meet the diverse needs of families. I also focus on creating a strong foundation for children, emotionally and academically, so they feel secure, confident, and prepared for their future schooling.

Proudest Accomplishments: I am incredibly proud of creating a daycare that parents trust, and children love coming to. Knowing that I can make a difference in a child’s early years, providing them with love, care, and a stimulating environment, is incredibly fulfilling. Another accomplishment I cherish is being able to offer a space that supports diverse families, which is something I’m passionate about, given my own background and education.

Main Takeaways: I want potential clients to know that at Little People Village, their children will be cared for by someone who truly understands their developmental needs. This daycare is a place where every child is nurtured and supported in becoming their best selves, and where parents can feel confident that their children are in safe, capable hands. My experience, education, and love for children drive everything I do, and I am committed to providing the best possible care for the little ones who come through my doors.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One story that stands out in my journey with Little People Village is from when I was just getting started with the daycare. Opening a business, especially one that involves caring for children, is a significant responsibility, and I faced many challenges early on. But one particular moment tested my resilience in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

In the first few months, I had a week where everything seemed to go wrong. I had enrolled several new children, and the sudden increase in numbers meant I had to quickly adjust routines, manage new personalities, and ensure every child was given the attention they deserved. At the same time, the paperwork and licensing requirements seemed never-ending, and as a single person running this operation, it felt overwhelming.

Then, one morning, a parent called and told me they needed immediate drop-in care due to an unexpected work shift. I knew I had room for their child, but I also knew that this would add to an already stressful day. Despite being tired and stretched thin, I couldn’t turn them away. I welcomed the child, but by midday, I realized the new addition was having a tough time adjusting, and soon a few of the other children started acting out as well. It felt like a perfect storm.

As the day unfolded, I reminded myself why I started this journey in the first place. I thought about the children, their futures, and how important it is for them to have a safe, caring place, especially when their parents are in a bind. I leaned on my training in social work and psychology, taking a moment to breathe, reset, and give each child the attention they needed. By the end of the day, not only had I managed to calm the situation, but I found a way to adapt my daily structure so that this type of stress wouldn’t impact the children in the future.

That day reinforced the importance of resilience in running a daycare. It showed me that no matter how overwhelming things might seem, there’s always a solution, and that I have the tools to handle whatever comes my way. Now, I look back at those early, challenging days with gratitude because they helped me create a more efficient and effective daycare. It made me stronger and more determined to provide the best possible care for every child who walks through my doors.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Several resources have had a significant impact on my entrepreneurial philosophy and management approach, shaping how I run Little People Village. First and foremost, my own journey as an author has been a key influence. Writing books like Little People Village Daycare Home Guide has given me the opportunity to share my knowledge with others and reflect deeply on the processes involved in starting and managing a daycare. This guide, specifically for those interested in in-home daycare, encapsulates my learning, experiences, and practical strategies for success in this field.

In addition, my children’s books, such as Cutting the Grass with Dad and Denali’s First Adventure, have also reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling and its role in child development. Writing and publishing these books has strengthened my entrepreneurial thinking by reminding me of the importance of creativity and passion in both business and personal endeavors.

Beyond my own works, I’ve drawn inspiration from the teachings of entrepreneurial leaders and thinkers. Books like The Lean Startup by Eric Ries and The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber have been instrumental in shaping my mindset, particularly in how I approach scaling and managing daily operations efficiently. They’ve reinforced the importance of continuous improvement and systematizing tasks to free up more time for meaningful work, such as interacting with the children and parents at Little People Village.

These resources, combined with my personal experiences as a veteran, mother, and business owner, have profoundly influenced how I think about entrepreneurship—focusing on adaptability, resilience, and the value of a personal touch in every aspect of the business.

Shandreca Gibson’s Children’s Books on Amazon

• Cutting the grass with Dad
• Denali’s first Adventure
• Denali Takes Off!
• My Little Brothers and Me
• Painting with Daddy
• The Secret of the Fire Lion
• The Tale of the Luck Dragon
• Little People Village Daycare Home Guide (for anyone who wants to start an in-home daycare)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.littlepeoplevillage.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lpvtx