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get to know joyful journeys

At Joyful Journeys, we believe that understanding our roots and core beliefs is essential to trusting us with your child's early education. We invite you to learn more about Dionna Perkins, our passionate founder, whose dedication to Vallejo's children has shaped our center's vision and values. Delve into our unique educational philosophy, where we blend the Creative Curriculum, Montessori principles, and Learning Through Play, grounded in the insightful theories of Piaget and Skinner. Discover how this blend creates a nurturing and stimulating environment where your little one can thrive, grow, and begin their joyful journey with confidence.

meet our founder & director

Joyful Journeys Early Learning Center and Preschool is committed to providing exceptional early childhood education in Vallejo, California. We believe in fostering a love for learning through play-based experiences and individualized attention. Our dedicated educators are passionate about creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can develop socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically. We prioritize building strong partnerships with families and creating a community that supports each child's unique journey.

 

Dionna Perkins, the driving force behind Joyful Journeys Early Learning Center and Preschool, is a proud Vallejo native and graduate of Jesse Bethel High School. Her commitment to children began in her teenage years when she organized and led summer camps from her family's garage. This early experience fueled her pursuit of a degree in Early Childhood Education, which she completed at Tennessee State University in 2009. Following her studies, Dionna launched her career in early childhood development in Nashville, Tennessee. However, her heart remained in Vallejo, and she returned in 2011 to serve her community.

 

For ten years, (from 2015 through 2025) Dionna operated Divine Nurture, a family childcare service, where her leadership in early education was recognized. Partnerships with Headstart and Solano further solidified her standing in the field. In 2025, with a vision to reach more families, Dionna expanded her services to open Joyful Journeys. Beyond her professional endeavors, Dionna is a devoted wife and mother to three sons. She and her family actively participate in their church community, contributing to the praise and worship team and Sunday programming. In her leisure time, Dionna enjoys fitness, exploring the Bay Area through family outings, and playing games with her loved ones.

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Art Class

Philosophy

Joyful Journeys philosophy is a holistic blend of the Creative Curriculum, Montessori Curriculum, and Learning Through Play, enriched by the developmental theories of Jean Piaget and B.F. Skinner.

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Our philosophy integrates these elements into a cohesive approach:  

 

Environment: Classrooms are designed with Montessori-inspired materials, Creative Curriculum activity stations, and open spaces for play, encouraging exploration and independence.  

 

Teacher Role: Educators observe and guide, using Piaget’s insights to tailor activities to developmental needs and Skinner’s reinforcement to build positive habits.  

 

Activities: A typical day might include Montessori practical life tasks (e.g., spooning grains), Creative Curriculum projects (e.g., group art), and unstructured play (e.g., outdoor games), all fostering cognitive and social growth.  See our Daily Schedule here. 

 

Individualization: We respect each child’s unique pace, using play and structured activities to meet their interests and needs, as Piaget and Montessori advocate, while reinforcing progress as Skinner suggests.

Health & Safety

At Joyful Journeys Early Learning Center and Preschool, the safety and well-being of your child is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a secure and healthy environment where children can thrive and learn with confidence.

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Here are some of the key health and safety practices we adhere to:

  • Safe and Stimulating Environment: We maintain a clean, organized, and stimulating learning environment that meets all safety standards. Our facilities are regularly inspected to ensure compliance with local regulations.

  • Qualified and Experienced Educators: Our staff is highly qualified and experienced, with training in first aid, CPR, and emergency procedures. They are dedicated to providing attentive care and supervision to every child.

  • Low Child-to-Teacher Ratios: We keep low child-to-teacher ratios to ensure individualized attention and a safe environment. This allows our educators to closely monitor each child's well-being and respond promptly to their needs.

  • Nutritious Meals and Snacks: We provide nutritious meals and snacks to support children's health and development. We follow dietary guidelines and accommodate any special dietary requirements or allergies.

  • Regular Communication and Parent Involvement: We believe in open communication with parents regarding their child's health and safety. We provide regular updates and encourage parent involvement in our health and safety practices. Additionally, families have access to our ‘Brighwheel’ for:

    1.  Real-time updates:
      Parents and family members can receive real-time updates about their child's daily activities, including photos, videos, and progress reports. 

    2. Communication:
      Brightwheel allows for easy communication with teachers and staff, enabling parents to stay informed and engaged. 

    3. Student activity feed:
      Families can view their child's activity feed, which includes details like check-in/out records, meals, potty breaks, and learning milestones. 

    4. Check-in/out:
      Parents and family members can check their child in and out of school or daycare using the app. 

  • Health Protocols: We have clear protocols for illness, injury, and emergency situations. We follow strict guidelines for hygiene, sanitation, and infection control to prevent the spread of illness.

  • Secure Facilities: Our facilities are secure and access is controlled to ensure the safety of the children in our care. We have established procedures for drop-off and pick-up to ensure that children are released only to authorized individuals.

  • Emergency Preparedness: We have comprehensive emergency plans in place, including procedures for fire drills, lockdowns, and natural disasters. Our staff is trained to respond quickly and effectively in any emergency situation.

 

We understand the trust you place in us when you entrust your child to our care. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of health and safety to provide you with peace of mind and ensure a positive experience for your child.

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