Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronda Brown and Katrina Dawson.
Ronda and Katrina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a young child, my Godmother worked at a child care center. While present, I would say daily that I would own that daycare when I grow up. Nonetheless, that child care center closed by the time I was 14. Each day my Godsister, Donna and I would ride our bicycles and I would always ride by and sit in front of the building wishing I could open it as a child and babysit. Years past and my life took a few turns. Throughout my adult years, I have changed career paths multiple times. My career paths have ranged from entering the United States Navy, attending Grambling State University & received degrees from the University of Arkansas and Capella University.
I have benefited and enjoyed various employers while searching for what would yield income. Business such as Georgia Pacific Pulp and Paper, Burns Security, Taco Bell, Texaco Harde-Mart, Con Agra Foods, several Nursing Home or Elderly care facility (while working on a Registered Nursing Degree), Library, Morehouse Parish General Hospital, Jefferson Hospital, the University of Arkansas as a Residential Assistant, Residential Director. After graduating with my second degree, I moved to Atlanta, Georgia. I originally came to Georgia to assist someone who was dear to me with a baby shower with plans of returning to Arkansas. While visiting Atlanta and searching the want ads I decided to apply for jobs in either the medical or Social Work sector. The first call I received was from the Department of Family Children Services as an Advanced Case Manager. As a Case Manager, I endured many different families, which had a significant impact on how I managed day today. Although every job I ever managed, supervised or worked, I made the best of it and was happy no matter what.
One day I decided I should become a Foster Parent. While fostering, I would allow other children to visit the home at which time my home became the “fun house” for children. Children would have a blast and while having fun, each child would receive life lessons, instruction, firm, consistent discipline and structure. Eventually, I was asked if I was a daycare provider. I would always tell my parents. I’m not a babysitter. I don’t have a daycare. However, I love children and helping working parents with their children.
One night around 3:00 a.m., a voice came to me, which I believe to be the voice of God and uttered “ChildCare.” I ignored that voice. Days later, the voice again shouted, “Child Care.” I then knew it was God. Within that week, I received a call from a parent stating that the building next door to the Karate Studio was available. I asked what the purpose of informing me that the building was available was. The voice on the phone stated, “you need to get a daycare since you love children to open a daycare. I believe when something comes to you three times-its, probably God speaking. I asked for the landlord’s number and phoned him. After which we spoke and I later obtained a lease and began Mama Ronda Child Care. I later informed my Godsister Donna of the opening of Mama Ronda’s and she asked me to recall that I always dreamed of having my own child care center.
I’m sharing this due to my belief that no matter what direction we take in life, God always brings us back to either a prayer request or our heart’s desire. Of all the jobs as a young woman, all the degrees I obtained, nothing compares to the joy, happiness and fulfillment of Mama Ronda’s Child Care Center.
Has it been a smooth road?
The struggle was living all those years trying to find myself and what would make me happy. As I began to truly listen to God, lean on him, and trust God. and traveled the path, God wanted me to travel-I, embarked on Mama Ronda’s Child Care and endured a smooth journey.
Please tell us about Mama Ronda Child Care Center.
Mama Ronda Child Care is a 24 hour 7 day a week, 365 days a year child care center. Children receive a great education and also an “old school” structure. Many parents benefit from a facility that grants them the freedom to work or run errands and feel comforted that their children are in the best care.
What I’m most proud of is that I was able to start without a business loan or any funding and have grown to be a vital part of other people’s lives. What sets me apart are that I am a 24-hour facility, I meet the parents were they need me and I charge parents according to what they can afford if their income is too great for CAPS (Child Care Assistance) but not quite enough to invest in their children’s care while they work.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love Union City because it’s a progressive little town that appears to be growing. The only thing I dislike about Union City are the many weekly stay hotels that doesn’t appear to love their community.
Pricing:
- I accept drop-ins at a rate of $10 an hour up to three hours or $60 for 4-12 hours.
- Homeschool is $140 weekly all inclusive (field trips included, supplies & meals)
Contact Info:
- Address: 6703 Shannon Parkway Suite 7
- Website: mamarondachildcare.com
- Phone: 4702891387
- Email: mamarondacares@gmail.com
- Instagram: mamarondachildcare
- Facebook: mamarondachildcare
- Other: mamarondachildcare
Image Credit:
Katrina Dawson, Director of Mama Ronda Child Care Center
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