Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Richardson
Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Jessica Richardson, a Greenville, SC native and the owner of Early Stars Child Development Center LLC located in Goose Creek, SC.
Growing up, I watched my mother work with young children as a Speech Language Pathologist in the public schools. My father owned and operated Dewhit Inc.,a chemical and janitorial supply company. As a result of my parent’s influence, I knew at a young age I wanted to work with children as well as have a business of my own.
My journey started at South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC where I pursued a degree in Family Consumer Science Business with a minor in Child Development. After graduation, I began working in Child Care in 2008 at SHARE Head Start , as an Early Head Start teacher. This program was so powerful as it helped to shape small children’s future in education. I worked there for several years until I got married and moved to Goose Creek, SC.
My employment over the years as an Early Interventionist provided me the opportunity to acquire skills such as managing caseloads for children with special needs and providing resources to parents to help children reach their goals.
In 2022, after much prayer and consideration, I decided to step out on Faith and pursue my dream of owning my home daycare business. Thus the beginning of Early Stars Child Development Center, LLC was formed. My Faith continues to sustain me as I learn and grow each and every day.
In addition to being a home daycare provider, I am active with my church, Berkeley County Alumni Association SCSU, and a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being an entrepreneur has its challenges. What was new for me was realizing that my home was now my place of business, so I had to make sure that I ran my business as a business out of the home. Also learning along the way how to maintain your professionalism in difficult times. A check list helps to keep me organized. As a home daycare owner, documentation of daily routines and attendance is involved to keep you accountable. You just have to make sure that every “I” is dotted and “T” is crossed. Being a licensed home daycare provider you have to make sure you are “up to code.” Therefore, I get visits from DSS, DHEC, and Fire Department. I am glad we all work together to ensure the safety of the children. I also had to explain to my own children; Miley, Natalie, and Olivia that this is my job and I don’t love them any less. Through lots of discussion and every now and then letting my own children have a role like reading a book to the children, really helped them have a sense of what mommy does as a daycare owner and provider.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Early Stars Child Development Center LLC?
I specialize in the development of the child. Since I am on a smaller scale due to operating out of the home, I have less children. Therefore I can have more one on one time with a child and see what needs to be worked on, so that the child can be prepared for Kindergarten or just being around more children. I accept the ABC voucher and we go on small trips such as the library for story time, aquarium, or the park. Meals such as breakfast, lunch, and snack are provided everyday.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
The advice I have starting out is to have a business account separate from your personal account, attend as many trainings as possible to stay abreast of new trends, network with other daycare owners/ providers throughout your area. Additionally, it is imperative that you communicate frequently with the parents.
