How an NYC Pre-K Teacher Built an Online ECE Empire w/ Monica J. Sutton | Magnify Child Care Ep. 13

What does it take to turn 20+ years of early childhood teaching experience into a global movement reaching over 1.2 million families? In this episode of Magnify Child Care, hosts Danielle and Rochelle sit down for a special full-circle conversation with the queen of intentional early learning herself, Monica J. Sutton (creator of Circle Time with Miss Monica). Together, they take a deep dive into: The Transition to Digital Learning: How a classroom teacher pivoted during 2020 to build an online early childhood empire. Active vs. Passive Screen Time: Why intentional, age-appropriate content matters for young children and how to encourage active participation. Navigating Career Shifts: Leaving the traditional school system, managing workplace dynamics, and trusting your gut as an educational entrepreneur. Preschool Explorers: Expanding beyond short-form content to create high-value supplemental programs for parents and educators. Representation & Purpose: The power of authentic leadership and representation in early childhood education. Whether you're an early childhood educator, center director, or parent, this episode is packed with real talk on classroom authority, building with purpose, and elevating the field of early learning. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Introduction & Welcome 2:02 - Where It All Began: Reflecting on 2020 & 4 Center Expansion 3:10 - Monica’s Background in NYC Special Education & Early Childhood 6:02 - From Resistance to Calling: Finding the Passion for Teaching 9:35 - Pivoting to YouTube: Creating Content for Her Classroom 13:15 - Navigating Workplace Dynamics & Growth in Popularity 15:00 - Taking the Leap: Transitioning Out of the Traditional System 17:35 - Intentional Screen Time: Active vs. Passive Watching for Kids 23:05 - The Birth of Preschool Explorers & Building an ECE Empire Connect with Academic Explorers: https://www.academicexplorersllc.com/... Instagram & TikTok @magnifychildcare Subscribe for more insights on ECE and Childcare Business Management! __ ROOSEVELT DAYCARE LISTINGS: Academic Explorers, LLC 18 Whitehouse Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575 Google: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kn6fjPgSQktba... Care.: https://www.care.com/visitor/viewSMBP... Bing: https://www.bing.com/search?q=academi..."YN873x8203641062862708536"&shtp=GetUrl&shid=7733231a-8a65-49bd-ba1e-197469ca538d&shtk=QWNhZGVtaWMgRXhwbG9yZXJzLCBMbGM%3D&shdk=QWNhZGVtaWMgRXhwbG9yZXJzIGlzIHRoZSBoaWdoZXN0IHJhdGVkIGRheWNhcmUgcHJvZ3JhbSBpbiB0aGUgbG9jYWwgYXJlYS4gV2UgcHJvdmlkZSBjaGlsZCBjYXJlIGZvciBpbmZhbnRzLCDigKY%3D&shhk=kzJh6fXjbwEj3Us9DlB%2F9EnwW24mFcLa3fVEYxcXE68%3D Manta: https://www.manta.com/c/mkxdktl/acade... Read a Roosevelt review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/97VHiNKPsu4MP... __ MERRICK DAYCARE LISTING: Academic Explorers of Merrick, LLC 1430 Jerusalem Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566 Google: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SoP1sa2spsXHP... Bing: https://www.bing.com/search?q=academi..."YN873x1672925239460365792"&shtp=GetUrl&shid=bfe601c2-32b9-43dc-ba54-e04e76b9fbe9&shtk=QWNhZGVtaWMgRXhwbG9yZXJzIE9mIE1lcnJpY2s%3D&shdk=QWNhZGVtaWMgRXhwbG9yZXJzIGlzIHRoZSBoaWdoZXN0IHJhdGVkIGRheWNhcmUgcHJvZ3JhbSBpbiB0aGUgbG9jYWwgYXJlYS4gV2UgcHJvdmlkZSBjaGlsZCBjYXJlIGZvciBpbmZhbnRzLCDigKY%3D&shhk=W56XmyMFZtSmSOJ8cp6PuN%2BCM3hrzzjevhDI4Jm4dvk%3D Manta: https://www.manta.com/c/m1wkknp/acade... Read a Merrick review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fuqMGnihHEaFy... __ UNIONDALE DAYCARE LISTING: Academic Explorers of Uniondale, LLC 607 Nassau Road, Uniondale, NY 11553 Google: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fezyAQ7rDvz76... Bing: https://www.bing.com/search?q=academi..."YN873x3734995422985535110"&shtp=GetUrl&shid=4589a07b-b69b-49a6-b458-d51609f05326&shtk=QWNhZGVtaWMgRXhwbG9yZXJzIE9mIFVuaW9uZGFsZQ%3D%3D&shdk=QWNhZGVtaWMgRXhwbG9yZXJzIGlzIHRoZSBoaWdoZXN0IHJhdGVkIGRheWNhcmUgcHJvZ3JhbSBpbiB0aGUgbG9jYWwgYXJlYS4gV2UgcHJvdmlkZSBjaGlsZCBjYXJlIGZvciBpbmZhbnRzLCDigKY%3D&shhk=cE6Iq5EWSTU4IoG46uee%2BK10QnrlSdK74%2FTgM%2B7Mk0c%3D Manta: https://www.manta.com/c/m1wkksw/acade... Read a Uniondale review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rPXWHSTqr2B1D... __ OLD WESTBURY DAYCARE LISTING: Academic Explorers Day Care Center On the campus of SUNY Old Westbury 223 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568 Google: https://share.google/JQMBIpxVICpw3CHhu Read an Old Westbury review: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9V2Q2THEombJf...