Lata’s Venture into Preschool and Daycare Business Makes Progress
Inever thought of starting my career when I’m 39 years old, says Priti Prakashni Lata Ms Lata never thought of being around so many children, yet she is passionate to be.
She is the owner and teacher at Priti’s Preschool and Daycare Center located in Nakasi.
She started her studies in Diploma of Early Childhood Care and Education In 2019 with her husband as her biggest support and motivation for success.
“I used to do online business that had to do with clothes, sweets and all, but it was seasonal because people normally purchased during occasions,” Ms Lata said.
“So my husband gave me ideas to do business full time.
“He got me enrolled at the University of the South Pacific (USP) for a Diploma in Child Care.
“Aged 36, I felt like it wasn’t the time for me to study, yet my husband motivated me to do so.”
She decided to take four units so shew could finish early and even though she expected to pass the course, to her surprise she got A Grade for most of my units.
Ms Lata started her Preschool and Daycare center in 2021 with just five kids before the pandemic started.
After graduation she wondered if she would get a job since there were a lot who graduated before her.
“Even if I got a job, I was afraid of who was going to look after my father in law because he’s sickly and also my household chores and my children,” she said.
“So I decided to convert my living room area into a playroom for children, and blocked all entries to the rooms and kitchen.
“That way I was able to check on my father in law from time to time and also be with the children.
“It kept going like this and after one week of COVID-19, my father in law had passed on.”
She had invested in children’s play stuff so she did not waste them and started converting her car park into a new secured classroom.
The center provides baby cot, games, swings, general care and massage for the children.
Ms Lata tries her best to learn creative things on YouTube to keep the classroom attractive and safe for the children.
The center has a roll of 24 children.
Fees for preschool is $50 while the Daycare is $80 for children one to two years of age who need the most care. While is $60 for ages two and above from 6am to 6pm.
Children at the center are supervised by four qualified teachers and two practical teachers from University of the South Pacific.
The center provides free diapers and nutritious meals, hot beverages and seasonal fruits throughout their stay.
“We act like kids with them, to make them feel like we are friends,” she said.
Ms Lata has invested close to $22,000 in her business to create even better facilities for children.
She believes it’s better to take a chance than regret.
“My father told me never to be scared to take risks in life, only if you take it that’s how you’ll get stronger and confident,” she said.