Today we’d like to introduce you to Reiko Shiota-Akukwe.
Reiko, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My mission for my business is to provide a childcare environment where everyone is accepted by being who they are. This mission comes from my life story. When I was young, I was different. I struggled to fit in for a long time and wondered why I was so different from others. I think back and wish there had been more support for me during that challenging time. My childhood could’ve been very different if I have the correct support. Most importantly, if I had love and support from teachers and other adults, I would’ve been more confident. Therefore it was my dream to provide support for children in need.
After my divorce, I decided to pursue my dream, which was to open a daycare facility that is loving, caring and accepting of all children. So in 2011, I started little kids academy, in my home in Belmont. My goal was to make every child in my care feel happy, safe and loved. To have a place where children feel they cannot wait to come back and to continuously provide emotional support to children who need it.
In 2014, I expanded my school and rented a commercial storefront, which is my current location. In 2016, I rented the next unit to further expand the facility and it is currently under renovation.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been a smooth road. First, since I was from an educational field I had almost no experience in running a business. I had to learn to be a business owner. This has been the most challenging part.
I struggled to acknowledge that running a successful business and having a dream can be two very different things. In the beginning, I refused to give up some of my philosophies. I needed to learn that my opinion is not the only opinion that should be valued and I needed to listen to my customers as well. I needed to work hard to accommodate customer’s needs and provide quality childcare all while keeping my dream in mind. That process taught me a very important life lesson and made me a stronger person.
This is not a struggle, but I work very hard to make sure the teachers at my center are happy and love what they are doing. I believe when teachers are happy, they can make children happy.
I remember back to the beginning of this journey. I was caring for a little girl who was quiet. I loved her just like I usually do, and taught her many things. When she moved on to kindergarten, she told one of my staff that she knew I loved her very much. When I heard that story, I cried so hard with joy. It was my ultimate goal that children know that they are loved.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Little Kids Academy – what should we know?
My business is a childcare business. We accept infant, toddler and preschool children. We provide a very homey environment.
All of my staff pays very close attention to each child and they make sure everyone is happy to come to school. I strive to keep the ratios low in our classrooms, providing more quality care. Our preschool classroom has 3 teachers for 15 children, which allows the lead teacher to run a smooth and effective classroom.
About 90% of teachers in my school are teacher certified with Massachusetts Department of Early Education and care. It is very important to me that staff show that they are here because they love teaching and they are willing to make additional effort to be certified. Also, teachers are trained to develop curriculum and modify it if necessary. I am always available for my staff if they are having a difficult time and work to resolve any problems as soon as I can.
In my center we work very hard to teach children to accept others the way they are. We teach children that we are all unique and that is ok. That it’s not ok to bully others because they are “different” than you. It’s somewhat of a common belief that children can accept differences without any effort, but I don’t exactly agree. They watch and feel the difference. Children feel more comfortable amongst similar skin colors or language they speak. I realize that we need to teach them that we are different and it is normal. That it’s ok! By doing so, they learn to accept others much faster and naturally than adults. This is a very small actions but I believe they are essential to a child’s development. I always try to think that I am nurturing the next world leader and that they will grow to be strong and kind.
I strongly believe these small steps will make a difference. One hand is very small and cannot do much, but if we collect more hands, we can do something big. Our children are those small hands but can be a big influence in the society when they gather.
In the future I would like to accept more children with Autism and have their own classroom. I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, I will be able to accommodate their needs. Currently I offer only ABA therapy in a separate office, but I am hoping to transition them to an inclusive classroom setting when the time is right.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Love what you do, stay humble and work hard. I believe at the end of the day, what is most important are building strong healthy relationships. Never overlook people around you and always appreciate what you have. And always know that you are very fortunate you are doing something you love. My success could never have happened if I did not have supportive staff and families.
I believe if you love what you do, you will naturally want to do better and want to learn more. This also goes for my teachers. It is very important for my school to succeed to make sure teachers love being with children and teaching them lifelong skills. I believe if teachers are happy, they can make children happy.
I am not afraid to say sorry. If you are wrong, you apologize. And you fix it. No excuses. Never over confident and always ready to learn.
I have never forgotten to appreciate people around me. This includes families enrolling their most precious treasure to my school as well as staff who stayed with me even through difficult times. I’m so grateful to my family who supported as well as my children, who understand that Mom needs to go to work.
Lastly, I work very hard. When you own your own business, you work all day and all week. I always have a lot to do but I try to enjoy all of it. Because I am a mom, I do not work during the weekend. That is the balance and promise I made with my children.
Contact Info:
- Address: 384 Trapelo Road
Belmont, MA 02478 - Website: www.littlekidsacademy.org
- Phone: 617-913-3849
- Email: shiota@littlekidsacademy.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlekidsacademy/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/little-kids-academy-belmont-2
Image Credit:
Jill Buchanan (Misuc Therapist, Music Class ) from Meraki Center for Therapeutic Art
Megan Dettoli (Yoga Instructor, Kids Yoga Class) from Groudworks Yoga and Wellness.
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
