Community Highlights: Meet Antoinette Elliott of All Our Children Elite Childcare Academy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Antoinette Elliott.

Hi Antoinette, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Antoinette Elliott. I am the founder of All Our Children Elite Childcare Academy. I entered the childcare arena after careful reflection upon my life’s careers and experiences. Childcare took top priority on many levels. My childcare experience has spanned over 4 years caring for family, friends, tutoring, volunteering and substitute teaching grades Pre-k to 12th grade. Currently, we provide childcare for children 6 weeks to 12 years old.

Equipped with a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from Auburn University Montgomery, in 2007 I decided to re-tool and went back to school to obtain a basic childcare training that led to obtaining: Child Development Associate Certificate, Infant Toddler Specialist Credential, Director’s Training, Diploma and finally an associate’s degree in early childhood education. I decided that the part of my life where I was the happiest was while I tutored or performed Substitute teaching for Pre-K to grade 12. I even enjoyed substituting at the alternative schools. Children have always provided me with joy and freedom to be who I am. It only seemed proper to get the correct educational understanding of Child Development so I can offer them the best start in life possible.

This is a family business. My Daughters Alexis and Dallas have always had a special touch with children (lifetime of on-the-job training). Currently Alexis is my partner and the lead one year old teacher, Dallas home schools and is a part-time assistant to the teachers, Peyton cleans the play yard, laminates, and staples papers, and Derrick supports the whole operation. We love working together and will love working for your family.

I decided to open a nature-based school because I want to make the largest impact on children to help them steward their community, develop healthy eating habits and learn the best self-help skill of learning to relax, not being afraid of the outdoors and also learning to be kind to those with diverse abilities. We serve vegetarian meals to assist parents who may not like vegetables themselves to introduce a healthy diet and develop a taste for fruits and vegetables. We provide all play wear to include coats, outdoor clothes, boots to lessen the burden on parents. We provide diapers and wipes to those 2 and under to assist the parents.

As a mother of four children including one stepdaughter, I have struggled with the same challenges of most families which include finding childcare that is high quality and trustworthy that will motivate and challenge our children. My family is important to me because a family is the backbone of any community, and I am the happiest when we spend quality time together.

I enjoy live entertainment and vacationing. My hobbies include reading and cooking. I have come to appreciate what it means to be all things to all people. My life has placed and will continue to place many influential people in my life. I have experienced marriage, divorce, a new start marriage, the joys and challenges of motherhood that will last a lifetime, the tragedy of loss resulting from death, scams, and sometimes taxes. My worst loss was that of losing my mom at age 12. But this loss made me the strongest. Regardless of your parenting style, there is not a mother I can’t appreciate or a family I don’t feel a part of. I have learned what it means to be sympathetic and empathetic, yielding and yet firm.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The biggest obstacle is keeping traffic or marketing going. We spend a lot on advertising. Many need childcare but don’t have funds allocated to spend. We constantly work on retaining our current children and enrolling those that come to tour. I wish there was magic money for childcare, but unfortunately it is an investment parents have to prepare to make.

As you know, we’re big fans of All Our Children Elite Childcare Academy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a nature-based childcare center with flexible hours from 6:30 am to midnight. We are inclusive in that we allow therapist to attend with children that need services and also allow service providers such as speech therapist to serve the children onsite. Our goal is to keep parents in position to accept promotions and advance their family while having peace of mind when it comes to childcare. One thing different is that I have invested in Crises Prevention Training for my staff. They look at things differently. We believe peace of mind is worth the drive.

How do you think about happiness?
I am happy when I enter a class and see movement, involvement and teachers engaging with the children. I love when children don’t want to go home. I am happy to help families thrive. I am extremely happy that I get to work with my family. We work as a team and look forward to going to work. I am able to mold my own children to take over a career than can be our family’s legacy all while providing a safe haven for the community.

Pricing:

• 7 hour day Starter Package $275
• 8 hour day Working Package $300
• 10 hour day Premium Package $355
• 12 hour day Elite Package $455

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aocelitechildcare.com/about-us
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AntoinetteElliott003
• LinkedIn: Antoinette Elliott