Inspiring Conversations with Pamela Bass-Patterson of Love & Learning Family Child Care

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pamela Bass-Patterson.

Hi Pamela, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I got my start in the child care industry over 30 years ago, and since then, I have owned several child care businesses. I opened my first day care business in California in 1995. I ran it out of my tiny 2-bedroom condo for several years before needing to expand to a larger commercial building. We offered both a preschool and private elementary school component.

I eventually ended up selling the school after my husband and I decided to move to Georgia with our three children to be closer to family. I thought I had in essence retired from the day business as far as owning and operating one, but God had other plans.

Shortly after relocating to the Atlanta area, I began working as an Assistant Director for a nearby chain day care center. After working there for just a short period of time, I realized it was not for me. I missed having full control of my own business, making my own decisions, and running my day care program in the manner I was accustomed to. I also realized it was difficult for me to transition from being a day care owner for so many years, to just being an employee. After much prayer and consultation with my family, I decided to open my third and final day care business, Love & Learning Family Care Care. That decision was made over 18 years ago, and I have enjoyed every moment!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
After opening Love & Learning Family Child Care, it took many, many months before I finally enrolled my first student. This was very frustrating and disheartening. With this being my 3rd day care business, I couldn’t understand what I was doing wrong. I had to step back and reaccess the situation. I had to realize I was not in California anymore and had to understand my new surroundings. Once I got my footing, I continued to enroll students, remaining full all these years with a waiting list. And, I am proud to say that I am still in touch with the very first student I enrolled. He is graduating from high school in a few months!

The year 2020 and the years that followed, were very challenging for the day care industry as a whole due to the Covid pandemic. The world as we knew it had changed drastically. We had to implement several changes to our program, but through it all, we only had to close for one week. This was a blessing because I know that many child care programs had to close for extended periods of time, with some never reopening.

We’ve been impressed with Love & Learning Family Child Care, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Love & Learning Family Child Care is a family owned and operated in-home child care program located in College Park, GA. Established in 2008, we offer care for children 6 weeks to 5 years old. We are licensed by and regularly inspected by the Department of Early Care and Learning.

Our motto, “Where love and learning go hand in hand”, is not just an empty slogan, it is at the heart of our core beliefs. We strive to provide a calm, loving and nurturing environment coupled with many opportunities for children to learn, grow and explore.

Our comprehensive program is operated as a in-home private school with uniforms, individualized curriculum, nutritious meals, and family and community events and activities. We have a large fenced playground allowing for many opportunities for children to run and play.

Our program is open year round, offering an extensive Summer Program. In addition to full time care, we also offer temporary, drop-in and occasional specialty scheduled weekend care.

One thing that sets us apart is our dedicated classroom space that is bright, colorful and inviting, offering many opportunities for children to explore real life community establishments such as a hospital, grocery store, coffee shop, fire station, vet clinic and much more. Many who visit liken it to a mini children’s museum. These community centers allow children to learn thinking skills, math skills, communication skills as well as social skills.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The qualities and characteristics I feel are most important to my success are number one, my love for teaching and caring for children. It is a true passion of mine. It’s not for everyone, but I couldn’t see my self doing anything else. I love that I am able to help children confidently grow and develop into their own individual selves. I love that I can play a small role in their future success.

Secondly, I feel my patience is a virtue as well. It takes a lot of patience to care for children as they all have their own individual needs and wants. And all though I have always had wonderful parents, it can be said that it takes a lot of patience to deal with parents as well, as they all want the best for their children.

Thirdly, the fact that I am a very organized and detail-oriented person has been beneficial in helping me run all three of my day care business. As you can imagine, there are a lot of mandatory policies, procedures, and regulations you must abide by to operate a child care establishment. Being organized is essential in making sure to meet all these requirements at all times.

Lastly, my degree in Early Childhood Education and minor in Business Marketing have also contributed to my success in the child care industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://loveandlearningfamilychildcare.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoveAndLearningFamilyChildCare/