I would like to introduce myself as the new owner and director of Kids Kingdom Drop in Day care. My name is Teresa Scott, I moved to Franklin with my family in October 2013. I love being part of this community. I am passionate about the need for this service to help parents, like me, that do not have family support. I am a mother to three girls.
I have had over twenty-five years of experience working with children and their families. From MAC programs, Head Start programs (with children with severe disabilities), elementary schools, child protection, and non-government charity organizations. I have a Bachelor in Psychology with a minor in Family and Children’s Studies from Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia. I was also chosen to participate in an exchange program with Ohio State University in 1995/1996 as part of this degree.
While completing my degree I was always employed and paid my way through school. I worked at a local elementary school, after-school care, and vacation program for six years. While at Ohio State University I was employed by the Nisonger Center Head Start program as a teacher’s assistant. These children all had severe disabilities of various types including, Prader Willie syndrome, Autism, Downs Syndrome, ADHD. I also worked as a special needs teacher’s assistant for a child with special needs in an elementary school for three years. While studying I was also a volunteer Parenting Educator for Australia’s child protection department, upon my graduation I was employed by them (12 years) in a few positions until my resignation to immigrate to the USA in 2013.
Firstly, I worked as a Parent Support worker with Teenage Mothers with several different risk factors for a few years. I was later promoted to a Manager position for a Parenting Service, a position I held for 10 years. I continued with my professional development which included a Certificate in Workplace training and assessment.
I was completely responsible for all facets of this service. This included managing and maintaining a budget (200K annual), marketing and promotions, building maintenance, networking, and collaboration with other community services. I was responsible for all recruitment, supervision, and training of all staff.
I also worked with not-for-profit organizations in a Domestic Violence Shelter and a visitation supervisor supervising children and their parents and reporting back to the Family Law Court of Australia with recommendations.
Since immigrating to the USA, I have worked in all the drop-in day centers in Williamson county. I have also spent three years working with Franklin Special School District.
Obviously, since I have devoted half my life and whole career to children and their families, I have a genuine love of children and am passionate about their welfare.
I plan to use my experience and knowledge to bring you a drop-in center that standards exceed anything seen in Middle Tennessee. We are always responsive to the needs of this community by taking suggestions from you and welcome your comments.