COME SEE WHAT SETS US APART!

In 2015, in conjunction with a grant to participate in the Wake County Smart Start Farm-to-childcare program, JPLC began an ongoing movement to healthy eating. As part of our work with the Farm-to-childcare program we began adding at least 3 servings of fresh, local produce each week.

Over the course of the first year we were able to try a large variety of new items. As with anything new, some of those menu items were big hits (spaghetti squash & spinach, kale & orange salad, and tomato salad among our favorites), and some were not so popular (eggplant and beets for example).

We currently only serve juice 4-6 times a month, and have increased the water intake for most children. After our first year with the program we began introducing some healthy food ideas and options to families, in the way of healthy sample days.

Healthy sample days are days when a healthy food is prepared, we set up a station in the lobby where parents and children are encouraged to try some.

These recipes are shared with parents in print, and through the JPLC Pinterest page. We have increased the whole-wheat servings of grains and fresh produce.

Bio - Sandra

I was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania and spent the first 30 years of my life in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania where I met my husband of 41 years. My husband’s job then took us to York, Pennsylvania for 10 years, and now to our current home in Willow Spring for the past 20 years. We have two wonderful children. Our son Dirk decided to make his home in York, Pennsylvania where he lives with his wife and our oldest granddaughter Eden. We also have a daughter, Cassandra, who lives here in Fuquay-Varina with her husband and our two granddaughters, Reilly and Reagan. I began my childcare journey when my children were young, and I provided in-home childcare for many years. As my children got older, I went to work at a childcare center and decided to take time for myself and begin working on my Early Childhood Education degree.

Shortly after moving to North Carolina, my job search brought me to Johnson Pond Learning Center. I walked through the door of Johnson Pond Learning Center and was hired that day as a three-year-old teacher where I spent the next fifteen years in the same room. During that time, I completed my degree in Early Childhood Education. I left Johnson Pond Learning Center for a couple of years and gained experience as a co-director until the founding director asked me to come back to Johnson Pond Learning Center to fill the assistant director position. I am happy to be back “home.” A few other bits about me: I am a little obsessed with Disney World, but my happy place is Ireland. My husband and I would like to spend a few months in Ireland each year when we retire.

Bio – Kimmie

I was born a navy brat. I graduated high school from the 14th school I’d attended over the years, moving all over the world. I attended the State University of NY at Oswego. It was there I met my husband, and graduated with a BA in Psychology, and a minor in Health Science. We finalized our move to Raleigh in 1996, 3 days before Fran hit. We have 3 boys. Christopher is planning a navy career, just like his grandpa. Quinton is in theatre production; he and his wife Molly live in NJ and both work in Manhattan. Coley is at Central Michigan University, with aspirations to become a small business attorney. We have a granddaughter and grandson, who live in Florida. I have been in the Early Childhood field since 1992. I have taught every age group, but have spent the majority of my career in administration and training teachers. When JPLC opened in 2003 I was the Assistant Director, with our Founding Director, Laurie Morrison. In 2017 I graduated from UNC-Wilmington with a MA in Early Childhood Education Leadership. I enjoy cooking, helping my husband with his taekwondo studio, watching NHL (go Oilers) or NFL (go Bears) games, crafting, watching cooking shows and movies.

in Loving Memory

In 2002, when the owners were getting the building plans for JPLC designed, they were put in touch with our founding director, Laurie Morrison. She had been a director for 8 years in the area, but was looking for a center in Fuquay-Varina. While driving home from Buffalo, NY, she was hired over the phone. Laurie began writing policies, setting up furniture and supply orders, interviewing, and planning for our opening. She was our Director until her passing in December 2022.

(919) 557-9448

Johnson Pond Learning Center 6523 Johnson Pond Road Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

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COME SEE WHAT SETS US APART!

Bio - Sandra

Bio – Kimmie

in Loving Memory

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