Staff at Azalea Gardens Preschool
I am Briana Dickson, the owner, childcare provider, and preschool teacher at Azalea Gardens Preschool. As a mother of 5 (plus a bonus kiddo) and an educator with over 5 years of professional teaching experience, working with children has always been a meaningful part of my life. For over 2 years now, I’ve had the joy of operating my in-home preschool, continuing to learn and grow each day as both an educator and a childcare provider.
My Education
I received my Associates Degree in June of 2012. I took several years off to be a mother and work at varies places. I returned to school in 2018 and graduated from Oregon State University with my Bachelors Degree in June of 2019. I obtained my Masters of Arts in Teaching from Western Governors University in May of 2022.
Oregon requires Certified Family child care providers to meet experience/education qualifications, maintain required certifications and training, and complete ongoing annual training. I take several trainings and educational courses each year to stay in compliance with licensing.
My Experience
I began my teaching journey in 2019 at Sunnyslope Elementary in Roseburg, Oregon as a Kindergarten teacher. During Covid, I also transitioned to an online teacher of these kindergarteners; boy was that a challenge! I continued teaching Kindergarten in 2020 at Hucrest Elementary in Roseburg, Oregon. During my fourth pregnancy in 2021, I worked as a substitute teacher, which offered the flexibility I needed rather than taking on a full-time position and navigating maternity leave. During and after my fifth pregnancy in 2022, I taught online/virtually to offer flexibility and avoid maternity leave battles again. In 2023, I went back to Sunnyslope Elementary, but this time teaching 2nd grade. After years of teaching in traditional school settings, I decided to take what I loved most about teaching and create something more personal. I opened Azalea Gardens Preschool in June of 2024.
My "Why"
I am very passionate about teaching children and watching my students grow emotionally, socially, and academically. I strive to make my preschool feel like a safe, welcoming place where children are encouraged, comfortable to be themselves, and excited to come each day.
One of my favorite parts of having an in-home preschool is getting to know each child and their family. I enjoy being part of the community and providing families in our area with a safe, positive, and nurturing place for their children to learn and grow.
I also value being home with my own children and being involved in their education. I have had the pleasure of teaching my own children alongside with others to prepare them for their futures.
