Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Pugh.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey in childcare started long before I ever imagined owning two successful programs. I began by working alongside my mother as her co-provider. During that time, I learned firsthand what it meant to care for children, support families, manage a program, and build something meaningful within the community.
After purchasing my first home in 2003, I began dreaming about creating a childcare program of my own. In 2005, I took a leap of faith and opened my family childcare business. I started small, but I had a big vision. I wanted to create a place where children felt loved, families felt supported, and learning was taken seriously.
Over the years, I continued to grow, learn, and improve my program. In 2023, I expanded by obtaining my childcare center. Today, I proudly operate both a home-based childcare program and a childcare center. My home program is nationally accredited through NAFCC, and my center has earned a Maryland EXCELS Level 5 rating and accreditation.
Education has also played a major role in my journey. While building my businesses and serving families, I earned four degrees: an associate degree in Business, an associate degree in Early Childhood Education, a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and a Master of Arts in Teaching. Each degree helped me become a stronger educator, leader, and business owner.
My journey has not always been easy, but every challenge taught me something. I went from helping my mother run her program to becoming the owner of two accredited childcare businesses. One of the things I enjoy most now is helping other childcare providers and business owners understand that they can grow too. I believe success is not only about what you build for yourself, but also about how many people you help along the way.
When I look back, I see a story built on faith, hard work, education, and a genuine love for children and families. I am proud of how far I have come, but I also know that my story is still being written.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not always been a smooth road. I faced financial challenges, staffing issues, changing regulations, and the pressure of balancing my family, education, and businesses. Expanding from a home program into a center also required a lot of sacrifice and faith. Every challenge taught me to trust my vision, keep learning, and never give up.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Totsrus Early Learning Center LLC?
Tots R Us Early Learning Center is a center-based early childhood education program that specializes in school readiness. We provide children with a loving, structured, and educational environment where they can grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
We are known for quality teaching, strong family partnerships, and preparing children for kindergarten and beyond. What sets our center apart is our commitment to excellence. Tots R Us has earned a Maryland EXCELS Level 5 rating and accreditation.
Separate from the center, I also own and operate a nationally accredited family childcare home through NAFCC. I am most proud that I have been able to build two separate, accredited programs while maintaining a strong focus on love, education, and quality. Our goal is not simply to watch children, but to give them a strong foundation for their future.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The quality that has been most important to my success is determination. I do not give up easily, even when things become difficult. I have learned to stay focused, keep educating myself, and continue moving forward. I also believe having a genuine love for children, families, and helping others has played a major role in everything I have built.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://totsruslearning.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/totsruslearning/ and https://www.instagram.com/totsruslearning/
