An Interview with Juanita Thadison
Owner and Director of A Child’s Compass Learning Academy and Nursery School in Urbana, Illinois.
How do you feel about your overall accomplishments?
JT: I am very proud of many of my accomplishments. However, I believe that there is always room for improvement.
What was the trigger in your life that interested you in child development?
JT: I am one of eleven in my family and have been around young children all of my life. Many of my childhood experiences were beautiful and full of pleasant memories that helped to shape the woman I am today. I believe that every child should be given the opportunity to be their best selves.
What are your key achievements?
JT: Undoubtedly, having my own two daughters, Simone (14), Marianna (5), and my son, Marcellus (8) are my proudest achievements. After a long ten year hiatus from obtaining my higher degree, I have returned to an online school pursuing my Bachelor’s. I have started my own home business of having a home day care and have recently collaborated with Champaign County Head Start. I am most thrilled about these achievements.
What are your views on conscious discipline?
JT: I am a proponent for Dr. Becky Bailey’s Conscious Discipline. In today’s world, many young children face obstacles that one could never imagine: incarcerated family members, violence in the neighborhood or in the home, abuse, bullying, peer pressure, etc. I find that conscious discipline is a productive and healthy methodology for children to deal with and express their upset. It gives them the tools to manage their emotions.
How did you eventually find the name of your daycare?
JT: Would you believe that I prayed about it?! (She laughs.) I wanted to create a name that would set me apart from other home day cares and that would encompass all that I aspire to be. Moreover, I wanted a name that was be fitting for the business that was going to be in the future, not just a temporary name.
Finally, what plans do you have for ACCLANS in the near future?
JT: I plan to incorporate regular parent-teacher conferences in hopes of building rapport between the staff and the parents, progress reports to allow improvement in the areas where the children need assistance, family gatherings to promote socialization amongst my current and potential clientele, and creating a cohort with other home daycare providers as a support to one another.
Email address for Ms. Thadison: jnthadison@gmail.com
Phone number for Ms. Thadison: (217) 377-6090
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