Staff at Azalea Gardens Preschool
I am the owner, child care provider, and preschool teacher for Azalea Gardens Preschool. My name is Briana Dickson, I am a mother of 5 (plus a bonus kiddo), and I have over 5 years of professional teaching experience. I have been running my in-home preschool for 2 years now, and I learn more about teaching and owning a child care each and every day!
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.
In April-June of 2024, I took all the required courses and trainings to be a Registered Family Childcare in the state of Oregon and opened Azalea Gardens Preschool.
In July 2025, my program became a Certified Family Childcare in the state of Oregon. With this certification, I am now required to take 15 ongoing annual trainings and courses for childcare. Additionally, I take preschool education courses to help me be the best teacher I can be.
My Experience
I started my teaching journey at Sunnyslope Elementary in Roseburg, Oregon as a Kindergarten teacher in 2019. During Covid, I also transitioned to an online teacher of these kindergarteners; boy was that a challenge! I later taught at Hucrest Elementary, also teaching Kindergarten. I was a substitute teacher during my 4th pregnancy as this was easier than taking a regular teaching position and then needing to take maternity leave. I also taught online during my 5th pregnancy, again, to avoid maternity leave battles. I then went back to Sunnyslope in 2023, but this time teaching 2nd grade.
My "Why"
I am very passionate about teaching children and watching my students grow in all aspects; emotionally, socially, and academically. It really is a wonderful thing to watch their little minds figure this world out and learn how to be a person!
Since moving to Azalea, and having the space to do this in our new home, my husband and I have fully embraced this chapter of our life. Not only can I be home and educate our own children, but I can also offer a safe, healthy, and educational experience to other children in this area.
Additional Helpers
Meet Zoey!
Zoey is my oldest daughter. She helps out in the preschool as needed. She is a high school student enrolled in an Early College program and takes online courses, so she is home with us most of the time. She has her food handlers card, is CPR certified, and has completed all of the required trainings and courses to be considered an assistant in the preschool.
She is always eager to jump in and participate in any activities with the children. They especially love when she reads to them!