Daily Inspiration: Meet Audrey Foster

Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Foster.

Hi Audrey, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My Story – Audrey, Owner of Hands On Learning Daycare

My name is Audrey, and I’m a proud mother of three wonderful children — one girl and two boys, ages 16, 15, and 7. I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and my lifelong dream has always been to own and operate a licensed childcare center.

That dream began to take shape when my cousin Chontel introduced me to the childcare world. She gave me the opportunity to learn, grow, and discover my passion for working with children. At the age of 29, I earned my Child Development Associate (CDA) in Infant/Toddler care, which opened the door to a rewarding career.
I became a teacher in June 2016 and gained experience working with children from 1½ years old and up at several childcare centers and schools. My most recent teaching role was with a charter school GSRP program in December 2023, where I continued to build my skills and love for early education.

During my time in the GSRP program, I also earned my CDA in Preschool, and I later completed a Director Ce

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — it was rocky at times. There were so many state rules and regulations to follow, and making sure everything was in order took a lot of patience and determination. One of the biggest challenges was waiting for the licensing process to be completed. It took about eight months for my license consultant to come out, inspect, and approve my site.

Those months were stressful and full of uncertainty, but I stayed focused on my goal. Every delay and challenge taught me something new about perseverance and faith. I leaned heavily on the support of my family, especially my mom, who encouraged me to keep going even when things felt impossible.

Looking back, I’m grateful for the experience because it made the success of opening Hands On Learning Daycare even more meaningful. The obstacles only strengthened my determination and reminded me that with faith, patience, and support, dreams really do come true.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Hands On Learning Daycare, I wear many hats — I’m the Director, Teacher, and Owner. My center provides a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children to learn, grow, and explore. We offer full-day care, before- and after-school programs, and transportation services, along with nutritious meals — breakfast, lunch, and snack — all in a family-oriented setting where every child is valued and loved.

I specialize in early childhood education, working with children ages 1 to 12 years old. I focus on hands-on learning, social-emotional development, and helping each child build confidence and independence. My passion is teaching children through play, creativity, and structure — making learning fun while preparing them for lifelong success.

I’m most proud of turning my dream into reality — building my daycare from the ground up and creating a place where children feel at home and parents feel supported. I also take great pride in my amazing team — my cousin Keshia, my sister Jazmin, and my mom, who all share the same love and commitment to our families.

What truly sets me apart is the personal connection I build with every family. I go above and beyond to support parents — whether that means helping with resources, flexible scheduling, or just being a listening ear. I treat every child as my own and every family as part of our extended family.

At the heart of it all, I believe that when children are loved, supported, and encouraged, they thrive — and that’s exactly what Hands On Learning Daycare stands for.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest advice for anyone just starting out is to never give up, no matter how hard it gets. The process can be overwhelming — from dealing with licensing, paperwork, and inspections to managing time and resources — but if it’s truly your passion, stay the course. Every obstacle is just a stepping stone toward your success.

I would also say do your research and stay organized. Understand your state’s childcare requirements early on, connect with other providers, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s okay to make mistakes — that’s how you learn and grow.

Something I wish I knew when I started is how long the licensing process can take and how much patience it truly requires. There will be moments of doubt, but don’t let them stop you. Surround yourself with supportive people — family, friends, or mentors — who believe in your dream even when you feel discouraged.

Most importantly, stay passionate about the children. Your love and dedication will shine through everything you do. When you put children

Pricing:

• DHS Accepted
• Private Pay