Before the Bell Preschool
A Little About the Owner....
Hello, My name is Devona Dancey,
Owner and Director of
Before the Bell Preschool and Daycare Center
About me....
I was born and raised in New York but Raleigh is my home. Every since I was a child I've always wanted to be a teacher. Following my dream, I graduated from Wake Technical Community College with an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development in 1996. Since then I have continued my education and I am currently a senior at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro. Upon completion I will have a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. My husband Ray and I are the proud parents of three wonderful children, Jamal, Dimitre, and Evona. I love my job of teaching and taking care of children.
My Experience....
I have worked in many centers, mostly large , corporate and commercial franchised centers. I have also interned in elementary schools, primarily kindergarten classrooms and taught at a Head Start program. I have operated my home center for over 13 years. I also keep up to date with curent workshops that focus on early childhood development and keep current with new rules, regulations and guidelines pertaining to childcare.
My Commitment....
Research, from www.naeyc.org has shown us that children who attend good quality child care programs demonstrate positive outcomes. Some highlights of quality childcare are a caregiver who is loving and responsive, one who respect's the child's individuality, offers a stable, safe and stimulating environment, have a small number of children with each adult caregiver, and staff members have on going education. I am committed to meeting these guidelines so that Before the Bell Preschool can be one of the best experiences that your child has in their formative years.
In 1996 Devona Dancey graduated from Wake Technical Community College with an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education. After working for several large, corporate, daycare facilities in Raleigh, she decided to open a small home daycare center that would be licensed for five children. Her plan was to provide a quality daycare service at an affordable price. She wanted to create an environment with learning capabilities in an atmosphere where children were comfortable, not over crowded, but recognized as an individual. A place where children feel loved and welcomed as if they were home.
Nikki's Little Daycare was founded in 1997.
The home based center was noted for providing quality childcare to families that were economically challenged. Nikki's Little daycare was among the first home based centers to receive a five star rating from the Division of Child Development. From January of 1997 until September of 2005, Nikki's Little Daycare has continued to serve the community offering quality childcare.
To meet the needs of more families in the community, Devona Dancey began the process of opening a large center in a residence that would accommodate and be licensed for 12 children. In September 2005, Nikki's Little Daycare was renamed "Before the Bell Preschool and Daycare Center".
The new preschool has two large, bright, classrooms that are filled with learning materials and are inviting. Before the Bell Preschool continues to strive for the best practices in childcare and is committed to nurturing and educating children so they are successful in school and in life.
All rights reserved of Before the Bell Preschool 2008-2012