In early 2025, Tara Rozak stepped back into the Lexington Hills KinderCare Learning Center in Folsom, California, not as a newcomer but as a returning leader after nearly two decades. Her homecoming as center director symbolizes a commitment to restoring trust, elevating child safety, and fostering community ties in an era when high-quality childcare is more critical than ever for working families.
A Journey Rooted in Passion and Community
Tara's story with Lexington Hills KinderCare began in 2006 as a teacher aide for toddlers, evolving through roles in preschool and Pre-K. By 2018, her leadership propelled her to direct another center, but personal ties drew her back in 2025. "My family grew up here," she shares, noting she bought her first home nearby, married, and raised her own children in KinderCare classrooms. This deep connection underscores a broader trend: long-term staff retention builds continuity, which studies link to better child outcomes in early education.
Raising Standards for Safety and Quality
Facing past challenges, Tara prioritizes hands-on improvements, securing NAEYC re-accreditation in early 2025—a gold standard signaling excellence in curriculum, safety, and teacher-child interactions. Her strategies include:
- Staff training on foundational practices and increased safety walks.
- Modeling presence with children to shift from checklists to ingrained habits.
- Physical upgrades like new turf, paint, and flooring to inspire pride.
These efforts align with national pushes for safer childcare environments, where NAEYC-accredited centers consistently outperform others in health inspections and parent satisfaction surveys.
Empowering Teachers and Strengthening Ties
Drawing from her ascent from aide to director, Tara invests in her team's growth through CDA credential support, college partnerships with Folsom College, and TeachStone programs. At her prior center, this doubled engagement scores, elevating it from Level 3 to Level 6. Veterans like 30-year infant teacher Ms. Leigh-Anne and 18-year Pre-K teacher Ms. Cheryl exemplify the loyalty fostered. Community events and family partnerships aim to rebuild the center's reputation, addressing societal needs for reliable childcare amid workforce shortages and rising parental expectations.
Tara's leadership promises a brighter future for Lexington Hills KinderCare, blending experience with heart to create joyful spaces where children thrive and educators flourish.
