Tracy Goodell is the Director of the La Petite Academy in Papillion, NE, which is nationally accredited by NECPA and serves over 150 children and their families.
Tell us a little about La Petite Academy. – We have a staff of highly focused, educated, and tenured teachers. Together we share a goal of providing the very best in educational child care, with comprehensive programs for infants through Kindergartners. But unlike traditional daycare, a La Petite Academy education provides a strong curriculum in a safe, stimulating environment to create meaningful experiences for children every day. Our schools and classrooms give children room to grow, room to share, and room to be themselves. We also created the School Readiness Pathway, to provide parents with educational options and choices. The Pathway is designed to empower parents to find the best path for their child. At La Petite Academy, open spaces and open concepts create open minds.
How did you get started in the business? – I started out as a part-time two year old teacher when I was in college in St. Louis. I was so lucky that my first experience in this field was to work with amazing dedicated teachers in a NAEYC accredited school. I learned so much about myself and about how impactful we can be on the lives of young children.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Taking our school through the accreditation process was a big, yet welcome challenge for me. The National Early Childhood Program Accreditation is a rigorous process that begins with internal program evaluation and culminates with a NECPA validator visit. Our school, along with the other La Petite Academy locations, is one of the few accredited programs in the Omaha area. There is certainly a lot of work and attention to detail that are part of the process, but in the end the rewards are worth it.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I think opening a new school was probably the most challenging thing I have done in my career. Prior to that experience, I was able to help grow great teams and successful businesses. When you start fresh there is a whole different set of challenges. I feel like over the last several years my team and I have met those obstacles head on and continued to make La Petite Academy a truly great place for children and their families.
Tell us a little about your family. – I am married to my wonderful husband, Emmet. We have two beautiful children; Ellie (11) and Sam (5).
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Without a doubt, having my first child, Ellie. There’s really nothing you can read, advice you can receive, or a feeling you can imagine that can prepare you for the immensity of becoming a parent. It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever done.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Always take out the Ego before making decisions.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I am a pretty great baker.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – For more information and to schedule a tour, give us a call at (402) 938-5003. We are located at 96th and HWY 370 – 11328 S. 96th Street Papillion, NE 68046. To find and tour one of our other six locations in the Omaha area, visit www.lapetite.com for more information.