CHILD CARE CENTER OWNER | LITTLE RASCALS DAY CARE

Ever since she was very young, Samantha Morgan has enjoyed teaching and interacting with children. She remembers playing with her baby dolls “way longer than most girls did” and always pretending and playing school. She began working in the child care setting at 17 years old and knew that managing and owning her own business was on her radar. Becoming a director for her child care center just made sense to her, so she followed her heart’s desire and made her dreams a reality.

Why did you decide to be a child care director?

I opened a home day care at 21 years old and needed to find a larger facility so I opened Little Rascals in 2005, when I was just 23 years old (16 years ago). For the past eight years, I have also worked as an office manager for Dr. Charles Hollingsworth, a plastic surgeon. I have a wonderful director at the day care now and am grateful that she is there when I am not since I work two jobs.

Name one thing about your profession that people might not know.

I don’t think people understand that child care is much more than just “babysitting.” We teach the children. We have strict schedules, and each class has a curriculum and lesson plan that we follow. All of our full-time lead teachers have an associate’s degree or higher, or are working toward that now.

Who has helped you become the person you are today, and how did they inspire you?

Several people have helped me along the way. My family seems to be hardworkers, and we all really love to work. My work ethic definitely came from my parents and brothers. I would say it’s in our bloodline. We all have owned or managed a business.

Three women have taught, encouraged, and inspired me to be where and what I am today. My mother, who is outspoken, head strong and independent has always inspired me. I always want to make her proud and not let her down. My first child care employer, Kelli Foster-Fannin, has taught me a lot. She made child care fun. The last lady who molded me as a child care teacher, director, and owner was my very strict licensing inspector, Shirley Dansby. This lady was by the book on her rules and regulations when inspecting, and she never cut me any slack. I wouldn’t be as successful or precise now if it wasn’t for her.

Tell us one thing you can’t do without on Thanksgiving Day and explain why.

My Mama’s chocolate pie! Growing up, all three of her kids have loved her pie. One liked the meringue and chocolate, but not the crust. The other liked the crust and chocolate, but not the meringue. As a little girl, I wanted the chocolate and nothing else. Now, needless to say, we like and eat it all. She now makes more than one pie to avoid us fussing and fighting over it.

What do you love most about the Four States area?

I like the small town friendships and relationships. When push comes to shove, our hometown area steps in to help when needed. When we celebrate, everyone celebrates. When someone is experiencing sorrow from a tragic event, everyone seems to hurt or be affected.

What lessons have you learned from the pandemic?

I learned a lot about “self-care” and to take time for myself. I also learned that it is okay to say no and tend to your own needs sometimes. I learned that I really love my quiet time and alone time. And I actually really enjoyed the world slowing down a bit. I think everything happens for a reason, and God was definitely trying to get our attention.

How would you like for others to remember you?

I want to be remembered for being an independent yet humble person. I always try to give my all. I am a very hardworker and am very driven. I would also hope that I am remembered for always trying to see the best in people and giving people a chance when others won’t.

Feature Stories

Samantha Morgan | The Children’s Champion