Meet a first-time provider in Missouri who turned a decade-long dream into a high-quality early learning program—supported every step of the way by Wonderschool.
Tatiana Buckner has always had education in her DNA—she studied early childhood and special education and even wrote a children’s book during COVID. After welcoming her daughter, the calling to open a child care program grew louder. What she wanted was simple and profound: a joyful, transparent, deeply safe “home away from home” for families in her community.
“I want kids to cry to go home, not cry coming here.”
Today, Tatiana is just days away from opening Elijah Treehouse in Missouri—a warm, nature-inspired space filled with learning centers, sensory details, and yes, a future ice cream day. Her journey wasn’t linear, but it was steady. And she didn’t go it alone.
Tatiana first heard about Wonderschool shortly after a licensing orientation. The timing was perfect.
“If it wasn’t for Wonderschool, I would not be in front of you today. My center wouldn’t be opening in the next two weeks.”
As a New Supply provider (starting from scratch), she needed a partner to help her master the operational A-to-Z—from licensing and inspections to marketing and family enrollment. With Wonderschool, she got:
Like many first-time operators, inspections were Tatiana’s biggest hurdle. Wonderschool encouraged mock inspection and it made all the difference, surfacing requirements she didn’t know to expect:
“You’re not really aware of all the things you need until the inspector comes. That list became my playbook. When they returned, we went 100%—nothing missing.”
The catch? These fixes add up. The hardwiring alone was nearly $4,000. Wonderschool’s grants and incentives bridged those gaps so Tatiana could meet standards without delaying opening day.
Tatiana’s north star is clear: trust through transparency. That shows up in daily details—cleanliness, communication, proactive safety checks—and in the systems she chose.
Beyond startup, Tatiana leaned on Wonderschool to set up smart money habits from day one—so every dollar has a job and sustainability isn’t an afterthought.
“When the money gets here, I know where it’s going. Wonderschool helped me plan for that.”
Walk through Elijah Treehouse and you’ll feel Tatiana’s brand everywhere—from tree-themed learning corners to a cozy “theater time” nook. She’s repainting, refinishing floors, labeling centers, and creating a calm, cheerful environment that families instantly understand.
“Presentation is everything. Cleanliness, the feel, the smell—every detail tells parents: your child is safe and cared for here.”
1) Do a mock inspection. It will save you time, money, and surprises.
2) Treat your inspection punch list like a project plan. Check off every item; schedule the re-inspection with confidence.
3) Use milestone-based support. Break the journey into tiers or phases so progress stays visible.
4) Centralize your operations. A single portal for licensing, enrollment, messaging, and your website prevents burnout.
5) Ask for help. Grants, incentives, templates, and coaching exist—use them.
Elijah Treehouse is built for communication, joy, and safety. Expect transparent updates, a warm environment, and a leader who treats inspectors, advisors, and parents as part of one team.
“I’m trying to be a beam of light out here. This isn’t babysitting—it’s a high-quality early learning experience.”
Opening day is around the corner—and she’s already thinking about waitlists and expansion. With strong systems, a trusted brand, and community word-of-mouth, Tatiana is building not just a program—but a model.
Wonderschool helps educators like Tatiana open, operate, and grow sustainable early learning programs—with the guidance, tools, and financing support to make it real.
Curious what your path could look like?
Get in touch to explore licensing steps, financial supports, and the all-in-one platform behind programs like Elijah Treehouse.
Because every community deserves joyful, high-quality care—five minutes from home.
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