By Ashli Karaman
When people ask me what it’s like to run a preschool, they usually expect stories about crayons, tiny backpacks, and the occasional spilled juice box. What they rarely expect is the truth that beneath the daily rhythm of circle time and finger paints lies a world of wonder, challenge, and transformation.
Running a preschool isn’t just about teaching ABCs; it’s about shaping futures, nurturing hearts, and sometimes rediscovering your own sense of magic along the way.
A Dream Built on Glitter, Patience, and Purpose
When I first opened the doors to my preschool, I wasn’t chasing a business dream. I was chasing purpose. Like many women who juggle motherhood and ambition, I wanted to create something that blended structure and imagination a place where every child could be both curious and confident.
As I wrote in *Princesses, Unicorns, and Superheroes*, the journey began with ‘a heart full of dreams and hands that were always just a little sticky from craft glue.’
“Building a preschool isn’t just about education; it’s about emotion and understanding that every child who walks through your door is a universe waiting to be seen.”
The Hard Truth About Soft Skills
Running a preschool is one of the most emotionally demanding leadership roles out there. You’re part educator, part psychologist, part magician.
In the book, I wrote: ‘You can’t fake presence. Children know when you’re truly with them.’ That lesson shaped everything I’ve done since.
“Listening, empathy and patience aren’t soft skills, they’re survival skills.”
Princesses, Unicorns, and the Power of Play
I’ve always believed that play is sacred. In my classrooms, imagination isn’t just encouraged it’s celebrated. Whether a child is wearing a plastic tiara or a superhero cape, they’re learning to build confidence, solve problems, and express emotions in the purest form possible.
As I wrote, ‘Every costume tells a story not just of who they pretend to be, but of who they believe they can become.’
Quick Tips from Ashli’s Book
- Encourage free play daily – it builds imagination and emotional intelligence.
- Always listen before you lead – empathy starts with presence.
- Celebrate small milestones – children thrive on recognition, not perfection.
- Let creativity be messy – the best lessons are often found in the chaos.
The Lessons Children Teach Us
The beautiful irony of my work is that while I set out to teach children, they’ve been my greatest teachers. They’ve taught me resilience like the little boy who refused to give up on a puzzle even after ten failed tries. They’ve taught me forgiveness the way conflicts vanish after a single ‘sorry’ and a shared snack.
“Children remind us that joy doesn’t need perfection; it only needs presence.”
Navigating the Storms of Ownership
There were years when I doubted myself when enrollment dipped, when staffing became impossible, when exhaustion felt endless. But I leaned on what I call the three anchors Family, Faith and Flexibility.
As I shared in my book: ‘The heart of leadership isn’t found in the easy days; it’s found in how you rise after the hard ones.’
A Message to Fellow Dreamers
If you’ve ever had a dream that felt too small or ordinary, remember this, there’s nothing small about changing lives. Whether you’re teaching toddlers, running a business, or raising children, your work matters more than you know.
As I wrote in the closing chapter: ‘Our classrooms may be small, but the futures they hold are limitless.’
About the Author
Ashli Karaman is an early childhood educator, preschool owner, and author of *Princesses, Unicorns, and Superheroes: A Preschool Owner’s Magical Journey. Through her book and speaking engagements, she inspires others to rediscover the magic in learning and leadership.
Follow Ashli on Instagram @ashlikaraman, TikTok @ashlikaraman, and find her book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/8JLALke
