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When my grandson, Ian, was born in 1995, I decided to establish a preschool - childcare center in order to spend time with him as well as continue to work. My granddaughter, Olivia was born in 1996 and I was all the more motivated to spend quality time with them.
One preschool soon grew to three preschools when we opened Little Bear Preschool in Sparks in June 2000 and Little Bear Preschool in Reno in October 2000. Both of my grandchildren have long since completed preschool and have attended all three centers. Richard, who worked relentlessly to renovate and maintain all three buildings, has returned to work in the gaming field. Though I entered this field to be with my grandchildren, I have found that Early Childhood Education is my life's passion. I see each child as a unique, precious person. The contribution today's children will make to the world is in our hands. To nurture children's growth and development is our investment in tomorrow's mothers, fathers, workers, leaders, teachers, artists - the scope is limitless. Through a scholarship from the TEACH program, I am attending UNR working toward a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education. I am also sponsoring each Director with Little Bear and University Preschools as well as our teaching staff to attain their degrees in Early Childhood Education through the TEACH program. I believe teacher-education is a key factor in providing high quality early childhood programs. If even just one life breathes easier because I have lived - this is to have succeeded.
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In 1998 I completed my Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education at Truckee Meadows College and I am a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. My husband, Richard and I, purchased the building at 847 N. Center Street, which was built in 1887. The building was in shambles. The condition of the building was so horrific, no one could believe it could ever be a preschool. We renovated the property and had it placed on the Reno City Register of Historic Places and the Nevada State Register of Historic Places. We named the property the Mary Sherman House, as she was the first owner of the house in 1887. We received an award from the mayor of Reno for the best renovation of a historical property in 1998.