A Non-Traditional Twist to Teaching: KinderMission Academy
Fifteen years ago, Betsy Rodriguez, now Director of KinderMission Academy, was working two jobs waitressing and teaching full-time to put her young daughter into childcare. With a heart for teaching and a discontentment with the childcare her own daughter was receiving, Betsy knew she wanted to make a difference in early education.
“I’ve always known I was going to have a preschool, but it was never the right time,” Betsy shared.
While Betsy earned her degree in elementary education, she took a non-traditional route into education by starting her career working in financial aid after she graduated. After being in a financial aid office for ten years, Betsy decided she wanted to go back to teaching.
Diving head-first into elementary education, Betsy realized that often the current education system is only teaching students how to take a test.
“It was very systematic, and I was unable to be creative with my students. I felt like the kids were being set up to fail,” she says. Recognizing a need for a blend between early education and childcare that benefited each student in the way they needed to succeed, Betsy decided to leave her role as a teacher and strike out on a new path.
“I said to myself, ‘One day I’m going to have my own school and have my own rules,’” Betsy reflects. That’s when she knew it was time to take matters into her own hands and decided to open KinderMission Academy.
“Our mission is to provide affordable, quality childcare to all families,” says Betsy. Using her background in financial aid, Betsy now helps families apply and become eligible for scholarships at KinderMission Academy as well as helps them understand the importance of early learning. Because Betsy knows firsthand, childcare isn’t just wiping noses and singing the ABCs.
“We’re the underdogs of education,” Betsy says, referring to the unusual fact that KinderMission is both affordable and offers academic applications far beyond a traditional “daycare.”
“Everything we do here sets the foundation for grade school…Childcare isn’t daycare.”
In fact, KinderMission Academy has a full curriculum to help children grow and prepare for their futures in school. Learning stability starts at a young age and childcare plays a vital role. It’s no longer a convenience; it’s a need.
“I make sure that parents and families know that this is an investment that they get a return for,” Betsy says, “A child should understand concepts, basic life skills, how to have their manners, and how to have a conversation. It’s learning daily habits that prepare them for school.”
When focusing on the location of KinderMission, Betsy knew High Point was where it was meant to be.
“I learned that High Point is a Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD), and I absolutely loved that,” she shared, “The whole reason I got into education was because of my brother, who’s autistic.”
That’s one of the reasons KinderMission Academy operates under the belief that every child learns at a different rate. And Betsy and the other educators have seen firsthand how this pedagogy impacts real students with real outcomes of growth and development.
“To have a child who was completely nonverbal who is now able to articulate what he needs is priceless,” Betsy shares of one of her students. “And to have teachers who feel like they are working in their purpose is beyond rewarding.”
“We’re always working to improve and to provide the best possible care and support to everyone that walks through our door,” Betsy says, emphasizing the inclusivity and accessibility that KinderMission offers to each student. This is why they are intentional about what they teach and create individualized lessons. Their classrooms are for infants of six weeks up to two years old, with a goal to to get students on track for group learning by the time they turn three. But KinderMission also offers programs for children up to 12 years of age.
This dedication to impacting every child and creating a supportive and connected work atmosphere is was sets KinderMission Academy apart. Because at the end of the day, KinderMission is a family.
One of the most fulfilling parts of the job is seeing how the educators and the students grow. With this mindset, Betsy also encourages and supports parent and family involvement with their child’s early learning.
“We’re very intentional about our parent engagement,” she says. “We have a PTA that meets monthly, and we hold individual conferences with parents to talk about their child’s progression.”
But the parents and families are involved beyond their child’s education at KinderMission. With periodic festivities and celebrations, the families at KinderMission are always eager to be involved and make sure every child feels loved. Whether that’s bringing snacks or helping put on an event, KinderMission Academy values parent involvement in their child’s learning.
This magnetic energy of the community extends its reach and support to the teachers at KinderMission too.
“I have teachers who have grown so much personally and professionally that they would not have had the opportunity elsewhere to do that,” says Betsy. The support at KinderMission is so strong that they’ve had teachers who have pursued other career paths return shortly thereafter.
“That just lets me know we were doing something right with our culture and values here,” Betsy shared. But this connection with the community goes beyond KinderMission. With the support of our city and growing partnerships, Betsy is thrilled to have opportunities to impact High Point outside of the walls of a classroom.
One of the biggest reasons Betsy chose High Point for the location of KinderMission Academy is because of the community and positive culture behind early learning.
“What I love about High Point is the ability to grow and the opportunities to continue growing, especially as a new business,” says Betsy. As the city of High Point continues to expand and headstart its rebranding project, Betsy is excited to see how it can plant deeper roots for KinderMission and other businesses in High Point.
“There’s really so much to offer,” she says, KinderMission takes advantage of the opportunity to give back and involve their students in the community. Betsy is a part of the leadership program of THRIVE High Point and had the opportunity to create a service project that incorporated her students and early learning.
“My project was called ‘Planting Seeds,’ and the goal was to provide hydroponics into childcare facilities. With the support of the community, I’ve been able to introduce gardening into schools across High Point,” Betsy says.
KinderMission’s curriculum even teaches about gardening, farming, and cooking.
“With all of these elements combined, I had the idea to create a cookbook that our students will be featured in,” Betsy shared. “I can’t wait to see what ways I can continue to serve High Point. There’s so much to be learned when you get involved with your community, and I love that.”
By accomplishing her dream to open a school, Betsy finds joy in everyday moments.
“I’ve come to find that this is God’s work,” she concludes. “In everything that we do, we have to show love, treat people kindly, and want the best for everyone. By guiding and educating these children, we are doing that work.”
Through educating, supporting, and creating a non-traditional learning environment, Betsy has brought a positive twist to the teaching world right here in High Point.
“I knew this was where KinderMission needed to be. Our blueprint starts here.”
“In everything that we do, we have to show love, treat people kindly, and want the best for everyone. By guiding and educating these children, we are doing that work.”
Betsy Rodriguez, Director of KinderMission Academy
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