We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Alexander and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Having taught in a preschool classroom for over twenty years I spent countless hours developing lesson plans, learning, and art activities. Even with my education in Early Childhood Development, and time spent teaching at a Head Start Preschool, developing a quality program for my classroom would take hours of my time. I eventually purchased a few different monthly boxed curriculums to alleviate the time I would spend on my lesson plans. While there were aspects of the boxed curriculums that I enjoyed, I was still lacking the resources to create a quality program for the mixed skill levels in my group that wouldn’t break the bank. And that is essentially where the first Lil Dream began. I decided to take my passion for creating a fun and engaging learning environment and develop a product that could be implemented in a multitude of classooms and preschool programs.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Lil Dreamers Dream Big is a monthly preschool curriculum box created with the goal to help teachers provide a high-quality preschool program through fun and engaging lesson plans and activities. Our business is unique in that it was created with the teacher and the preschooler in mind. Lil Dreamers Dream Big encourages children to discover core learning concepts, to develop cognitive understanding and to create with expression through an extensive themed curriculum unit. As a small business that serves other small businesses, such as preschool teachers and family childcare providers, we are proud to supply an affordable product that equips the teacher with the resources they need to facilitate a hands-on learning environment.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of my favorite places to explore are the trails, creeks and hills of the Santa Rosa Plateau. Also, driving through the vineyards of Temecula is the best place to see the amazing hot air balloons rising over the horizon. Of all the quaint restaurants that are found in the region, Goat & Vine will always be a staple for me. Their Goat & Vine Salad, Mother’s Meatballs, and the Jalapeño Lime Carnitas pizza are the first dishes that I recommend to anyone who visits. Then, anyone who knows me, knows that every Sunday I can be found at West Coast Life Church, along with the rest of the Lil Dreamers Dream Big Dream Team.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve heard it said: “You are the sum of who you surround yourself with.” And that’s why this shoutout goes to the Dream Team at Lil Dreamers Dream Big. Kylee, Tyler, Kaitlyn, Iliana, Cassidy, Taylor, and Alyssa, your skill, talent, passion, willingness to run with the vision, pursue excellence, and help make this dream a reality has been instrumental to the success and joy of Lil Dreamers Dream Big. I could say more, but then they might ask me for a raise. Behind the scenes of Lil Dreamers is my husband, David, who has been there from the very beginning of every dream I’ve dreamt and Beth, one of my closest friends. They both believe I can do most anything even when it seems impossible to me. I’m forever grateful for the confidence and faith they have continuously surrounded me with. Last, but never least, Mom, the one who never put any limit on my dreams and always encouraged me to Dream Big! The prayers and support of you all is more valuable than I could ever express, and I’m eternally grateful!

Website: https://lildreamersdreambig.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lildreamersdreambig/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LilDreamersDreamBig

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmFlJULLcF9jj2j_p6WMD2g

Other: LinkTree https://linktr.ee/lildreamersdreambig

Image Credits
Taylor Briggs

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.