We had the good fortune of connecting with Janna Hopkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janna, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I am the Director at Bethany CDC in Dallas, TX. The childcare industry can surprise people who have never worked in it. Perhaps they think it’s easy or just an outlet for kids to play. They are so wrong! Childcare encompasses so much more. There’s so much thought that goes into the lesson plans that my teachers create. It’s guided by standards and goals. Every activity that takes place during the day is a carefully thought out lesson that takes into consideration the children’s ages, the goal they want to achieve and how it will be a developmental appropriate lesson. Preschool is such an important part of a child’s life. They are playing to learn – we create an environment where they are challenged and engaged. Every part of the day is structured by these wonderful teachers so the children are happily learning and enjoying school. It is definitely not as easy as some people may think! I applaud our staff for being the most dedicated, creative and loving teachers!! They make us successful!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I came to education in a roundabout way. My original degree was a BBA in Business and Finance. I quickly learned that it wasn’t for me. I started my teaching career teaching Accounting at a Business School. I found out I loved teaching and began my career in 1988 as an elementary school teacher. I did that for 14 years and then taught preschool for 12 years. Teaching can be tough – I do love it but I was ready for a change. I became the Director at Bethany CDC 8 years ago. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it! I loved getting to create this fabulous place for the neighborhood kids to learn and grow. We’ve worked hard to make this a place that people love. One thing that my teaching experience taught me was that my job as Director is to take care of our kids, our families and our teachers. Your customers and staff are the most important part of it. If you don’t take care of them, you won’t succeed. Bethany CDC is a place that is safe, fun and everyone knows that they are loved. I truly love going to work each day. This has been a team effort – my staff rocks!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, Dallas is sure a city with so many options. Some of the must-see places would include the Arboretum, The Dallas Farmer’s Marker, Deep Ellum, Eataly, North Park Mall and of course a day trip to Canton for the flea market! We’d eat at Mariano’s, Vector Brewing and have breakfast at Norma’s. White Rock Lake for some quiet time and a tour of the Swiss Avenue mansions. If it is fall, the State Fair! Dallas is great!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It may seem silly, but I’d like to give a shoutout to all the hard working teachers who have been my peers, my children’s teachers or who have worked for me.

Website: bethanycdc.net

Facebook: Bethany Lutheran CDC

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