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The Face of CHILDCARE Kidz Karousel Early Learning Centers PHOTO CREDIT: KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY
In 2006, Tessa and Derrick Holloway decided to make a life changing decision: purchase their first business, which happened to be a childcare center in Port Allen. “This was a business opportunity for us, which turned out to be what is now our life’s calling,” says Tessa. Fast forward 17 years, the couple provides care at 7 total centers, including 6 free standing childcare centers and the first micro center in Louisiana. Kidz Karousel Early Learning Centers are a force in the childcare industry. Tessa believes this growth and success is due to diversity, company culture, and a highly-trained staff. Kidz Karousel offers great benefits, including full medical insurance, as well as 401K to staff. These benefits, along with an opportunity for personal and professional growth, is what sets them apart from other employers. Tessa and Derrick, along with their staff, are working to change early childcare education through advocacy. Tessa currently sits on several boards and committees and pushes policies with groups, including Louisiana Policy
Institute for Children, Geaux Far Louisiana, LABI Workforce & Education Committee, EBR steering committee, and Ascension Ready Start Network advisory committee. She was recently elected as the President of Louisiana Association for the Education of Young Children. Tessa and Derrick agree that you must lead by example. In order to give Louisiana children a fair shot, it has to start with the policy makers. Along with Southern Consulting Group, a company they founded over 10 years ago, they assist parishes, businesses, and government entities in starting, managing, and operating childcare facilities. The couple also started a non- profit called LaForce (Louisiana Alliance Focused on Redefining Communities Everywhere). “We are happy to be the Face of Childcare, but our goal is still the same, for Kidz Karousel’s name and brand to be synonymous with Early Childcare Education and Advocacy. We want families of Louisiana to know we are fighting for their little ones no matter what early childcare center they choose to be part of,” says Tessa.
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Faces & Places of Greater Baton Rouge | 2024 33
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