Leadership
Nicole has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Kansas, and a 13-year history in early childhood education, beginning at La Petite Academy and Princeton Children’s Center in Lawrence, where she worked as Program Assistant Director and Assistant Director, respectively. She then moved to Wichita to open the Wichita Princeton Children’s Center as its Program Director. And most recently, she taught Early Childhood Education courses at Community Care College in Tulsa.
Nicole returned to Lawrence in 2010 and has been at One of a Kind since May, 2010.
Nicole has a young son.
Associate Director - Nasha Bean
Nasha's career in Early Childhood Education (ECE) started 20 years ago in Colorado and this is where her passion lies. She believes that ECE is the gateway to future education, and believes that if we spark an interest in learning, young children will carry that spark and thirst for learning for life.
She moved to Lawrence in September of 2008 with her family. She has four children ages ranging from 15 to 20 years, and one grandchild who is 2 years old. She comes from a large family and has been a caregiver since the age of 16 when she began babysitting.
She is a strong supporter of her career choice and sees the great need for early education and childcare. She is currently working on an associates degree in early education.
She looks forward to serving your family and our community by providing the necessary tools for your child to become a healthy well-rounded child, student and adult.
Staff
The staff members at One of a Kind truly are "one of a kind!" They come from a variety of backgrounds and all share a love for children. Many of our teachers are university students studying various subjects; others have chosen early education as a career.
Each teacher receives specific training from the classroom’s Lead teacher and Director that is appropriate for the children under their care. In addition, staff development training is held regularly. All teachers/staff are educated on: symptoms of illness, signs of abuse and neglect, and first aid.
Each classroom has a Lead Teacher, Assistant Teachers, and Afternoon Lead (departure) Teacher. The Lead Teacher is in charge of structuring your child’s day using age appropriate lesson plans. The Afternoon Lead and Assistant Teachers help carry out the lesson plans.