When Tara Rozak walks through the doors of the Lexington Hills KinderCare Learning Center, she isn’t just stepping into her workplace – she’s coming home.
Her journey with this very center began back in 2006, when she joined as a teacher aide working with toddlers. Over the years, she taught preschool and Pre-K, building lifelong relationships with families and colleagues. By 2018, her dedication and leadership had earned her the role of Center Director at another center. And now, in 2025, she has returned to lead the place where it all began.
“My family grew up here,” she explains. “This is where I bought my first home, got married, and raised my kids. Both of my children grew up in KinderCare classrooms. This community is part of who I am.”
Raising the Bar for Quality and Safety: The center has faced challenges in the past, but Tara is clear about her mission: improving quality and restoring trust. The center has been re-accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in early 2025, an important milestone that reflects the team’s commitment to excellence.
Tara’s approach is hands-on: training staff on the basics, increasing safety walks, modeling best practices, and encouraging teachers to slow down and be fully present with the children. “It’s about creating a culture where safety and quality aren’t checklists – they’re habits,” she says.
Investing in Teachers, Building Careers: As someone who worked her way up from teacher aide to director, Tara understands firsthand the importance of supporting staff. That’s why she’s investing in her team, encouraging aides to pursue their Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials, supporting college classes, and opening doors to continued education through partnerships like Folsom College and online TeachStone programs.
“Engaged employees make engaged families,” she notes. At her previous center, she helped double engagement scores, moving from a Level 3 center to a Level 6 center by focusing on communication, recognition and the KinderCare Service Values.
Community, Continuity, and Connection: Lexington Hills KinderCare is also investing in physical improvements, from new turf and paint to updated flooring, helping families and staff feel proud of the environment. But the real magic lies in the people. Generations of families have passed through the classrooms, with teachers like Ms. Leigh-Anne, an infant teacher of 30 years, and a beloved Pre-K teacher Ms. Cheryl, who has been at the center for 18 years.
For Tara, rebuilding the center’s name in the community is just as important as what happens inside the classroom. Plans for community events and stronger family partnerships are already underway. “We want families to know this is a safe, supportive, and joyful place for their children; and a place where teachers love to work.”
After nearly two decades of service, friendships that feel like family, and a career rooted in passion, Tara is ready to write the next chapter for Lexington Hills KinderCare. And this time, she’s not just leading with experience – she’s leading with heart.
Learn more about Lexington Hills KinderCare here.
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