Thriving children.
Happier Families.
With over 35 years of experience in the childcare world, I have seen it all. I can help you navigate your options in Central Virginia to ensure that your next childcare choice is a great decision.
Early childhood education is my passion.
About Me
I'm Michelle O'Donnell, and I've spent my entire 35-year career in early education. I earned a bachelor's degree in child development from Purdue University and have worked at every level of early childhood education. Positions held include:
- Preschool teacher for at least a dozen schools in Atlanta, Fredericksburg, and Richmond.
- Assistant Director for a national chain in Fredericksburg.
- Summer camp instructor for the YMCA.
- Center Director for a national chain in Fredericksburg (where I received a rare perfect score on a Virginia childcare licensing inspection).
- Center Director for two church programs in Richmond.
- After-school Program Director for a church program in Richmond.
I've worked for well-run centers and centers that no one would call well-run. Between teaching at every class level, helping run centers, or leading the center as director, I have seen it all. I know what they aren't telling you, and I know how they are trained to tap dance around the truth, because I've been through that training.
How I can help you choose the best preschool:
- My guidance goes beyond simple recommendations because I'll work closely with you to understand what your family's specific needs really are.
- I'll attend tours with you and ask the questions center directors try to avoid answering. And I won't let them get by with a bland, corporate-approved answer.
- I can dig into state licensing reports and help you understand which infractions are worth worrying about and which aren't.
- My commitment is to be an objective, knowledgeable partner, helping you trust your instincts to make an informed decision that gives your child the best possible start.
Contact me today if you are thinking about or in the process of switching childcare providers.
Services
Concierge Service
I work with you to understand your needs, and then we schedule up to 3 preschool center tours where I act as your subject matter expert, picking up on cues and seeing issues that will only be visible to an insider with extensive experience. I will not hesitate to ask the tough questions and challenge the center directors when they are following the marketing playbook and avoiding your specific questions.
After each tour I offer my immediate impressions and follow up with a written report on the pros and cons of each facility that we visit.
Price: $500
Virtual Services
If you just need someone to bounce ideas off or to validate or challenge your thoughts, I also offer virtual consulting via Zoom. Typical use cases for the virtual service include
- Coaching on what to look for and what to ask about when touring child care facilities.
- Feedback on specific centers that you have toured.
- Research on health code or daycare licensing violations for specific facilities that you are interested in.
- Coaching on dealing with challenges or issues with your current daycare provider.
Or anything else that we can handle via a conversation.
Price: $50/hour
Don't Take My Word For It
Don't Take My Word For It
CONTACT