WS Chronicle

By Busta Brown

As the founder and owner of Bailey Preschool, Dennette Bailey has spent over a decade shaping the future of young minds. Her preschool has become a cornerstone of early childhood education in Winston-Salem, offering a nurturing environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. 

Bailey’s journey to becoming a preschool owner began when she reflected on the negative impact her own preschool experience had on her. Looking back, she realized how her early educational environment left her feeling unsupported and disengaged. The lack of nurturing and individualized attention made her feel disconnected from the learning process. This experience inspired her to create a different kind of environment for children, one where they would feel valued, safe, and excited to learn.

Motivated by this reflection, Bailey pursued a goal of making a positive difference. She envisioned a preschool that prioritized emotional support, creativity, and personalized learning, ensuring that children had the opportunity to thrive. Over time, this vision evolved into her dream of owning and running a preschool that would provide a warm, inclusive, and enriching space for every child. 

“Many people I know don’t remember their preschool years, but I do. Unfortunately, my experience was horrible. I vividly remember one occasion when the teacher forced me to eat spinach and drink milk, and it was really unpleasant,” said Bailey. “I remember feeling like my words didn’t matter, and that’s a big deal for me. When I’m training or talking to people, I try to make others understand that children, even babies, have feelings and thoughts. Just because they might be very respectful, like we were in my day, or perhaps lack the communication skills to express themselves, doesn’t mean they don’t have those feelings. If a child feels unsafe or disrespected, it’s important to recognize that.

I’m very mindful of this when speaking to or teaching children. I think back to my preschool years, and I always keep in mind that how I interact with children now will impact them later on. In 20 years, they might remember me, and that memory could influence their decisions as adults.” 

As she was speaking, I thought about some of the teachers who had an impact on my life as a child. As parents, we trust our children with their teachers for many hours each day, hoping they will experience the love and respect every child deserves. The way a teacher shows kindness and care doesn’t just shape a child’s day; it impacts the person they will become. Every moment spent in the classroom leaves a lasting impression, helping children learn to trust others and feel valued. Teachers hold the power to build a foundation of confidence and compassion that will guide these children throughout their lives, creating positivity far beyond the classroom.

I truly enjoyed speaking with Dennette Bailey. She genuinely considers the impact her preschool will have on her students, especially when it comes to their health. “I’m not a physician, but I am certified in nutrition, and I’m very passionate about how the way we eat affects our health, especially our children’s health. What we feed them impacts their ability to learn and regulate their emotions. As you may notice, when children experience difficulty with things like being dropped off, it’s often attributed to clinginess or the idea that they just love their parents so much and don’t want to leave. However, the reality is more complex. When children consume sugar, it can cause a spike in their blood sugar levels, leading to feelings of anxiety and restlessness. This can make it hard for them to think clearly, and their behavior may seem more about emotional attachment than it actually is. Parents might feel sad, thinking their child is upset because they don’t want to be apart, but it’s actually the result of the sugar affecting their mood and ability to cope.”

Starting off the day with sugar is one of the worst things we can do for our bodies and especially for children. It’s the worst choice in the morning because it sets them up for failure the rest of the day. I’ve seen it firsthand in schools, where kids often skip breakfast or have sugary items like Pop-Tarts. It’s alarming to see this as the breakfast option in so many school systems. I’m passionate about sharing healthier alternatives.” 

Something else I love about Bailey’s Preschool is how they emphasize that a book can be the most valuable toy when we teach children to use it as such. “When your child turns the pages of a book themselves, it helps develop important skills. The physical act of turning pages improves fine motor functions by strengthening their fingers and hands, which is essential for writing later on. It also focuses their attention, requiring them to concentrate on whether they’re on the right page or if the pages are sticking together. They might even figure out how to unstick a page, which involves problem-solving and fine-tuning their motor skills.

Though they may not be able to read yet, children use the pictures in the book to fuel their imagination. Imagination, in my opinion, is the most powerful tool a child has, and books are a great way to engage it. They can create their own stories in their minds, which encourages creativity and cognitive development,” Bailey shared with a warm and passionate smile. 

I agree with Dennette 100%. Teaching children to read is incredibly important. It unlocks a world of learning and growth. A book not only strengthens their motor skills and thinking abilities but also nurtures their imagination, providing them with one of the most valuable toys, the power of their own mind. It was using my imagination while listening to my favorite local radio personalities that helped me tap into my love for radio. And thanks to my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Cook, and my 6th grade teacher, Mr. Celeste, who recognized, nurtured and helped me navigate through my imagination and talent, I’m able to continue living my dream for over four decades. 

Dennette has a motto that is unwavering, and parents admire her bold way of thinking. Her steadfast perspective resonates with them, earning their respect and admiration. Her motto: Your children will learn to read before we send them to kindergarten. “The thing that parents have to understand is this is not the kindergarten that we went to 20 and 30 years ago, so at Bailey Preschool, guided reading is extremely important.” 

It is preschool, so I asked Dennette, how does Bailey Preschool incorporate play-based learning into their curriculums? “I make up a lot of songs. Music is incredibly helpful in supporting children’s ability to retain information and get excited about what they’re learning. I’m also very focused on making information relevant to each child. For example, when we’re learning to write letters and eventually words, I always explain to the children why these skills are useful. One thing they love is making lists, so I tell them, when your parents go food shopping, you need to be able to spell what you want on a list. If you can write a list with things like chips and ice cream, I bet you’ll get them! They get so excited because they know it’s true, if they wrote that on a list, they’d probably get it.

This connection to real life makes learning fun and meaningful. Since we’re in preschool, I’m not bound by strict reading scores, so I can focus on making learning enjoyable and relevant. They’re learning to write and read words they care about, which helps them understand and retain the information better. It’s fun, and it makes the process of learning to read and write more exciting for them. By keeping things engaging and connected to their interests, I’m helping the children see how important and useful these skills are in their everyday lives,” she said with excitement. 

I asked the preschool owner to take me through a day of dramatic play with students. “The children are at the center, and I am there with them, not to be in charge, but to help facilitate their exploration and learning. My role is to support them as they engage in activities, like planting seeds or other play experiences. In dramatic play, it’s important that I step back and allow the children to take the lead. This is their domain, where they get to decide what happens next. This kind of interaction is essential because it gives children the opportunity to practice leadership, communication, and social skills.

In areas like dramatic play and the music center, these moments of leadership and decision-making are critical for children’s growth. As a teacher, my role is to provide space for them to lead, explore and collaborate, rather than direct every aspect of the activity.”

Dennette says they teach children what to do when they finish their work. Since many preschoolers cannot yet read, they use pictures to show them what their options are once they complete their tasks. “For example, after finishing a directed activity, they can choose from different options shown in pictures, such as reading a book, playing with blocks, or doing a puzzle. This helps them learn how to independently decide what to do next.

We begin practicing this with children as young as three, so they feel confident and capable when they are done with their work. By giving them these skills, we empower them to take control of their time and activities, building their sense of independence. It’s important for children to know what to do next, which reduces confusion and helps them feel successful in their learning environment,” she said.

As a podcast host and public speaking teacher, I’ve seen the positive results when students practice knowing what to do when they finish a task. It boosts their self-esteem and helps them learn how to manage their own activities. 

Bailey Preschool is currently licensed to care for 12 children. They accept ages 3 to 5 years of age; children must be fully potty trained and should be candidates for kindergarten preparation. An interview is required to be considered for enrollment. 

Dennette says before she hires an employee, she’s looking to hear genuine enthusiasm for working with children. “For example, one of my current staff members shared with me that they love the sound of two-year-olds’ voices. That kind of statement stands out to me. It’s a clear sign of someone who sees the beauty and joy in working with young children, rather than focusing on the noise and challenges that some people might find overwhelming. Ultimately, I want to find individuals who are genuinely passionate about caring for and educating children, as that passion is what creates a positive, nurturing environment for everyone involved.” 

The Chronicle’s Business of the Month is Bailey Preschool. For more info, call 336-407-4813, send an email to baileypreschool@myyahoo.com or visit baileypreschool.com.