Tessie Ragan
NAEYCNEWS she opened Bottega Child Development Center, a Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood center that serves 66 children, 18 months to kindergarten. It earned NAEYC accreditation in 2022.
How I learned about NAEYC: When I was going to school, NAEYC was my touchstone. The book on DAP [ developmentally appropriate practice ] was essential! NAEYC is the standard we try to always meet. You show us what quality looks like. When I started my school, I dreamt that we would be accredited. And that dream came true. the work you do. And I hope one day this profession becomes just like being a doctor: Well-respected, well-paid, with appropriate supports. Early childhood education is the most important stage of life. It’ s the foundation for the future.
What NAEYC’ s centennial means to me: The 100th anniversary of NAEYC holds profound significance for us at Bottega Child Development Center. We align closely with NAEYC’ s commitment to high-quality, research-based education. This anniversary is a milestone that celebrates a century of advocacy and excellence in early childhood education. It’ s an opportunity for us all to renew our dedication to our shared mission and to address ongoing challenges like accessibility and educator compensation. We are proud to join in this centennial celebration, reaffirming our commitment to advancing early childhood education in alignment with NAEYC’ s enduring legacy.
Changes I’ ve seen in the profession: The landscape of early childhood education is evolving quickly in Florida, including where and how early learning is offered. These changes have affected our school in terms of enrollment and when families choose to transition to other programs, such as those offered in a school district.
This isn’ t bad— it’ s just a matter of being aware of what’ s happening. I’ m a business person. I’ m comfortable with competition. I’ m working with FLAEYC to reach out to these other schools to start a business chapter to look at finances and employment. How are these issues affecting early childhood education statewide?
What I hope for the future: I’ ve always advocated for educators at my program to join NAEYC. I hope NAEYC continues to grow and do
Tessie Ragan
Founder and director Perfect Start Learning Rosamond, California September 2019 Member Spotlight
“ I am not just a family child care provider. I am an educator. A business owner. There is a place for me.”
In 2019, Tessie Ragan ran a family child care program on Edwards Air Force Base in California and was an ardent supporter of family child care educators. Since then, she has grown both her business and advocacy efforts. Her husband retired from the military in 2020, and Tessie now serves 17 children— most from military families— out of her home in Rosamond, California. She offers preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten instruction and is a Head Start community partner.
Tessie serves as California’ s representative to the National Association for Family Child Care. She also is a member of the Commission on Professional Excellence, the group charged with supporting
88 Young Children
Spring 2026