6 minute read
Paige Jefferson - Tiny Explorers Center
Paige Jefferson
Tiny Explorers Center
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Paige Jefferson
Paige Jefferson of Indianapolis, IN, is an accomplished woman who wears a lot of hats. She is a daughter, sister, friend, godmother, and business owner, all rolled into one!
Born and raised in Indianapolis, Paige shares that family is everything to her. She attended Alcorn University and later transitioned to Ball State, where she earned her B.A. in Child Development. From there, Paige obtained her director’s credential, as well as a master’s certificate in teaching. She has been working professionally in early childhood education for 10 years and has owned her own facility, Tiny Explorers Center, for the last six years.
“Together, we are shaping a brighter future—one Tiny Explorer at a time”. Those words are the foundation upon which Tiny Explorers Center stands. Paige adds, “We provide a comprehensive early childhood education program that is broken down by age groups. These include infants and toddlers, 2s program, preschool, and pre-K, as well as after-school and summer camp programs for school-age kids. We’re passionate about delivering high-quality education in Indianapolis and ensuring that each child is respected and encouraged to build meaningful connections with their peers and educators. Most importantly, we aim to create a nurturing environment where children can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.”
The path that led to the opening of Tiny Explorers Center began in 2018. Paige always had a lifelong passion for children, even as a young girl. She was drawn to helping with kids, especially in church, whether in the nursery or during service. After working as a site director for an early learning program, Paige saw firsthand the specific needs of both children and families. That experience inspired her to create a program that would address those needs in a more personalized way. She says the turning point came when she became a godmother that same year. “I knew I wanted my goddaughter to be in a high-quality program before starting kindergarten, and that’s when I realized it was the perfect time to bring my vision to life. Inside my parent’s garage, I hosted an open house and was blown away by the number of families who signed up. It was way more than I ever envisioned. It got so busy that my mom quit her job to help me. With the growing number of children and the state’s ratio requirements, I quickly had to find a new space to accommodate everyone.”
Paige says that what she loves most about what she does is seeing the pure joy on the kiddo’s face every time she walks into a room. “I like to call myself the “child whisperer” because I’ve always had a special connection with children. They light up when I’m around, and it fills me with so much happiness. My passion for children runs deep, and it’s so important to me to make a lasting impact on their lives. It’s not just about teaching; it’s about helping them grow, building their confidence, and making sure they feel seen and supported. When I hear stories of our graduates excelling in school, I feel a deep sense of pride, knowing we played a part in their journey. It’s all about giving them a strong foundation so they can succeed, both now and in the future.”
Paige is a Christian and professes her love and belief in God. She adds that she is a strong believer, and her faith is what keeps her grounded. “I am inspired by my belief that this is my calling, the purpose God has placed in my heart. I feel that I’m here to teach, nourish, and love children, which motivates me daily. Part of that is creating an enriching learning environment that makes growth and development exciting for them. Knowing that I’m helping shape their futures while fulfilling my purpose inspires me to keep pushing forward, always striving to make an impact on the next generation. It’s what gives me the energy and joy to keep going, no matter what challenges come my way,” she says.
Building her brand has come with a few obstacles. That is quite understandable, and without a few challenges along the way, one’s ability to persevere and overcome may not be realized. One such challenge, Paige says, was finding staff members who shared her passion for early childhood education. It took time and trial and error, but she has built her dream team after five years of navigating those challenges. “This wasn’t just about filling roles; it was about finding people who truly believe in our mission and are committed to providing consistent, high-quality care. Having a team that’s aligned with our vision creates stability for the children and establishes trust with families. It also shows that you can find the right people who help build something meaningful and lasting with patience and persistence.”
For those who may follow in her footsteps, Paige offers some sound advice. “Take the risk! There’s no comfort in growth, but you won’t know what you’re capable of until you take that leap. Yes, you might fall, but so what? You get back up, learn from your mistakes, pivot, and try again. Every fall is a chance to grow stronger and wiser. There’s no limit to how many times you can start over as long as you never quit. The key is to never stay stuck— always have a willingness to adapt, learn, and keep moving forward. You’ve got this; just keep moving forward,” she says.
Moving forward, Paige says she plans to expand Tiny Explorers by adding more locations, whether through additional homes or a larger building. She also plans to continue to provide quality care to more families. She also has a vision of starting a non-profit that offers in-house services for children, such as occupational therapy, language therapy, and nurse practitioner support. By doing so, she plans to create a proactive environment where children can get the services they need early on, setting them up for greater success when they start school. “It’s all about going beyond traditional care to truly support each child’s development,” she says.
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