LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A former Clark County School District teacher is using her educational background to prepare kids for kindergarten.
Heather Shannon, a mom of two, opened the Shannon Academy so she could stay home with her children and also use her experience as a teacher.
“I have a master’s degree in early childhood, so my husband and I were coming up with ways to stay home with my daughter, and my other children but also use my education and bring in an income,” Shannon said.
The academy accepts children ages 2-5. It’s one of nearly 400 licensed childcare centers in Clark County.
“Childcare is needed, especially early childhood education, there is definitely a demand in the valley, so I am glad that I can help out the kids that I can,” she added.
Nevada’s centers only meet 33 percent of the need for children 0-5 with both parents in the household working, according to the state.
“Coming from parents that are struggling to find a good place to put their kids for educational purposes, it is just hard these days,” she said.
Shannon now employees a handful of people, primarily family, but she’s still able to give her 12 students individual attention.
“The ratios really allow for us to meet with each child every day based on exactly what they need. so we do assessments throughout the year,” she added.
The academy is only open during the school year, and does have a few spots left for the upcoming school year.
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