Today we’d like to introduce you to Jana Fox.
Hi Jana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began my career at The Learning Treehouse just a week before graduating high school in May of 2002. My first role was as a toddler teacher, where I spent three years building relationships with children and families while discovering my love for early childhood education.
When I transitioned into the office as an assistant, I quickly realized that this was where my heart truly belonged. The role allowed me to balance two passions, staying connected to the children while also supporting the amazing people who care for them every day. I found purpose in streamlining office systems, developing processes, and creating an environment where our teachers could thrive and our school could grow.
Over time, I took on the responsibility of running the school. For many years, I poured my energy into leading with care, efficiency, and a vision for the future. In 2024, I officially became the owner of The Learning Treehouse, a moment that felt like the culmination of more than two decades of dedication and growth.
Looking back, what started as a part-time job in high school has truly become my life’s work. I feel incredibly grateful to lead a program that continues to nurture children, support families, and uplift teachers, just as it has for me since the very beginning.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It certainly hasn’t always been a smooth road. Our industry as a whole faces challenges every single day—high turnover, short staffing, high-stress work, and the realities of navigating challenging behaviors in children. On top of that, the pandemic pushed us to our limits and tested our resilience as a school community. There are so many things that can happen in just one day, and the ability to juggle it all while also being a mom has not been easy.
I often say that The Treehouse is my third child, and in many ways it is. It requires the same heart, grit, and determination to nurture, grow, and protect. There have been plenty of bumps along the way, but what has made all the difference is the people I get to work alongside. I’m incredibly thankful to have a high-performing team, truly some of the best in the industry. Our administrative team, in particular, gives me the freedom to dream, the reassurance that I am never alone, and the confidence that together we can handle whatever comes our way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At The Learning Treehouse, we’ve always been known for doing things a little differently, and that’s something I’m deeply proud of. From the very beginning, our school has embraced innovation and pioneered practices in early childhood education that focus on hands-on learning and meaningful experiences. We don’t shy away from challenges; instead, we lean into them and find ways to make learning both joyful and impactful.
A hallmark of our program is our focus on nature-based experiences. We believe children learn best when they can explore, create, and connect with the world around them. Our theme days are some of the most memorable learning opportunities for our children, and one of the highlights each year is Mud Day. After completing our spring unit on ponds, gardens, and growth, we quite literally dive into the dirt! We bring in special soil from a local supplier, set out real pots, pans, fake flowers, and plenty of water, and let the children create mud pies and explore freely.
The joy on their faces as they’re allowed to get dirty without any worry is unforgettable. But what makes it even more special is watching our teachers right alongside them—laughing, playing, and getting messy too. It’s moments like these that set us apart: we’re not just teaching children, we’re living the experience with them. That spirit of fun, adventure, and authenticity is at the heart of who we are.
What’s next?
At The Treehouse, we believe we are never truly “done.” Growth is a constant, both for our school and for ourselves as leaders, teachers, and community members. We are always asking how we can be better: how we can serve children and families more fully, how we can support our teachers more deeply, and how we can continue to set the bar higher in our field.
Currently, we are honored to serve over 280 students and 230 families in Effingham and the surrounding areas. That reach comes with both responsibility and opportunity. Our focus moving forward is to continue building systems that allow us to grow without losing the personal, connected feel that makes our school so special.
We’re also deeply committed to shaping the future of our industry by setting an example in teacher support and development. Investing in our staff, equipping them with tools for growth, and creating an environment where they can thrive is just as important to us as the curriculum we deliver to children. Big changes will always be on the horizon for us, but the heart of it will remain the same: to provide high-quality care and learning experiences while strengthening the community we love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thelearningtreehouse.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Learning-Treehouse-Preschool-and-Day-Care-100063910836152/
