Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Wanda Chandler Tillman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Wanda , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
As a small business owner, I an extremely happy! I have been running my home-based childcare for 27 years and I love being my own boss and making the rules. Additionally, running a business doing something that I have a passion for has helped me endure the long hours and grueling schedule. Moreover, sharing my home with families can be a privacy issue. Occasionally, I think about having a regular job as benefits can be an issue and as a childcare provider, many of us are under valued and under compensated,. However, since the pandemic the importance of what we do as being the force behind the workforce has given early childhood educators a spotlight and a seat at the table. Additionally, adequate compensation has followed. Owning and operating my small business is a needed service that provides culturally relevant services to many families in my area, and I do not see me closing my doors any time soon.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I got into the childcare industry in 1997. At that time, I was a single mother with a 2 year old daughter. It was hard for me as I worked at the post office as a mail carrier at the time and my schedule wasn’t supportive of being a mom. Nonetheless, the job didn’t work out. I actually had dropped out of UNCC to become a mail carrier in my senior year. I had been studying elementary education. So, I decided I would go back to. what I loved, teaching and educating children. At that time opening a home childcare was not as difficult and regulated as it is today. Hence getting a license wasn’t difficult. Transitioning to this career also allowed me to be available for my daughter and I would be able to guide her development in the way that I saw fit.
As a home based childcare I am licensed for 8 children. Five pre-schooler and 3 school agers. This type of care is unique as it is in someone’s home. There is one provider who cares for the children. What is great about home based childcare is that we are flexible and can cater to the needs of our families and community. We are located in neighborhoods which tend to make us assessable and relevant. Also, many of children have grown up with me from infancy and leave as they transition to kindergarten. This continuity of care support child development. Also, the small group size decreases illnesses.
I am most proud of my 5 star rating as a family childcare business. But I am most proud of my educational journey. as I dropped out of UNCC in 1992, at the age of 42, decided to pursue my education again. Over the last 10 years I have earned an Associates degree in early childhood education from CPCC, a bachelor’s degree in sociology from UNCC and will confer a Masters degree in Education in May 2024. Just remember its never to late to pursue your dreams!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
word of mouth and having a 5 star rating has always kept my business thriving. Once the child is enrolled the quality of care and communication has allowed me succeed.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Be a facilitative leader. collaborate and not dictate. Show empathy and sympathy when needed. Provide time for personal renewal and fun. Communicate and build trust.