Four Teachers, One Mission: Educating with Purpose and Giving Back

MILE Preschool Featured in Southport Neighborhood Magazine

In March 2025, MILE Preschool was highlighted in the Southport Neighborhood Magazine, featuring four dedicated neighbors who have come together to shape young minds while fostering a spirit of generosity and kindness in our Southport Community. Meet Janice, Danielle, Charmee, and Meghan—women who are more than just teachers in our neighborhood. They are mentors, role models, and pillars of strength, weaving education and service into our daily lives here in West Sacramento.

Homes Transformed into Classrooms

Each of these leaders, along with their families, has transformed their homes into spaces of learning, welcoming neighborhood children into environments that are both nurturing and academically stimulating. More than just classrooms, these spaces are havens where curiosity is encouraged, kindness is cultivated, and young learners are prepared for the future. The leaders of MILE Preschool are not only passionate educators but also devoted mothers, wives, and community members. Each of them brings a unique educational background and teaching philosophy to the preschool, shaping young minds while balancing vibrant family lives. Their roots in the community span decades, and their impact is evident in the successes of their own children—who have grown into accomplished young adults themselves. With years of experience in early childhood education, these women have a proven track record of nurturing talent and instilling a love for learning.

A Community of Care

Together, these women have made MILE Preschool more than just a learning space—it’s a nurturing community where children thrive under their care and expertise. Their commitment extends beyond the classroom, as they continuously seek ways to enrich the lives of their students and their families. What makes this group truly remarkable is not just their dedication to their students but the unwavering support they provide for one another. Their four families function as one extended community, bound by shared values, time, and resources. They celebrate each other's achievements—whether personal milestones, professional successes, or the small victories that come with teaching and parenting. In times of hardship, they stand together, offering comfort and strength when it is needed most. Their bond is further strengthened through monthly dinners, where they reflect on their goals, hold each other accountable, and ensure that their dreams—both personal and professional—are nurtured. They show up for one another’s children, attending milestone events and cheering them on as if they were their own. The phrase “our home is your home” is not just a sentiment but a lived reality, as their homes blend into a shared, welcoming space where love and encouragement thrive.

A Guiding Word of Intent

Each year, they choose a word of intent—a guiding principle to focus on for the year ahead. One year, the word was “LISTEN.” As dedicated teachers and caregivers, they recognized the importance of listening not just to their students but to themselves. They prioritized their mental and emotional well-being, ensuring they were attuned to their own needs so they could be the best possible educators and mothers. By truly listening to their hearts, their minds, and each other, they strengthened their ability to give fully to the children they serve.

Community Giving Initiatives

For the past 20 years, Janice, Danielle, Charmee, and Meghan have not only educated the children of our community but have also nurtured their hearts. Their commitment extends far beyond lesson plans and curriculum; it is deeply rooted in teaching kindness, responsibility, and the power of giving. Their homes may serve as classrooms, but their greatest lessons are found in the love and care they spread throughout the community.

  • Sock Drive with Mercy Coalition: The children learn that something as simple as a warm pair of socks can provide comfort and dignity to someone in need.

  • Christmas Hope: Each student selects a gift tag representing a local child in need, then chooses a present that aligns with the recipient’s wish. A Pre-K student, realizing she was shopping for a little boy, said: “Wait... I am shopping for a little boy. What would this little boy want for Christmas? I think he might want a dinosaur!” Moments like these highlight how these women instill empathy and understanding.

  • Easter Egg Project with Project Church: Students help stuff over 5,000 eggs for the community event. As one child shared: “I hope someone finds this egg. It has something special in it!”

  • Board Break-A-Thon with Uplift Martial Arts: Children raise funds by breaking boards, learning perseverance and accountability in exchange for donations. One student explained: “I learned a lot in school. Can you donate $1 for each board that I break? I want a big party for my friends with pizza!”

Beyond these seasonal projects, students consistently collect necessities for Kids Give Back, reinforcing that generosity is a year-round practice.

The Heart of MILE Preschool

Through their words and actions, these four dedicated leaders demonstrate that education extends far beyond the classroom—it is about nurturing compassionate, engaged, and generous individuals. Their work at MILE Preschool reflects their passion, commitment, and steadfast belief in shaping young minds with empathy and purpose. MILE Preschool stands as a testament to their unwavering efforts, serving as a beacon of excellence and inspiration for all who witness the impact of their work. Their story is one of education, love, and service—a powerful reminder of what it means to give with purpose and teach with heart.

West Sacramento State of City Address

On May 3rd,  MILE Preschool was honored to be a part of the West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon annual State of the City address!

This year, the Mayor highlighted the West Sacramento Home Run initiative, our city's signature workforce development initiative and the role that high quality early learning, as well as the other programs play in the initiatives success. He recognized the role that teachers and high quality early learning providers play in maintaining and growing high quality early learning environments across the city and the role of high quality early learning as part of the "1st base" of the West Sacramento Home Run.

MILE Preschool  was recognized as one of the 5 Home Run certified preschool! Watch this video to find out more about the Home Run initiative:

Now that you know your child is part of  1st base for the new Home Run initiative, you will receive a $50 seed deposit in their new city-sponsored college savings account!! Go to wshomerun.com to establish an account. 

Please note that this was just launched as of yesterday, May 3rd so the website may not have the information needed so please be patient.

After your child graduates from MILE Preschool, he/she will go the 2nd base which is INTERNSHIPS & DIGITAL BADGES. This base is for high school juniors and seniors enrolled in a high school in the WUSD. 

Then 3rd base is the COLLEGE PROMIS & SCHOLARSHIP.  All WUSD graduating seniors will be eligible for up to one year of free tuition at Sacramento City College campus and a points (badges based) scholarship of up to $1,000 for college related expenses!!!

Lastly, 4th base is a paid internship with one of the businesses in West Sacramento!!!

The HOME RUN initiative encourages the children to be raised as leaders AND to stay here in West Sacramento!! In doing so, it creates the best place to raise a family, access quality education and find quality talent within our community!!

This HOME RUN initiative is all COMMUNITY BASED which is what MILE Preschool has always been called to do for our children!!! We are so excited as past alumni students who have followed the Home Run path could benefit from this!!!! YAY!!!