Today we’d like to introduce you to LaTroya Barnes.
Hi LaTroya, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into early childhood education wasn’t just a career choice it was a calling that grew over time. I started in the classroom, learning firsthand what it truly means to care for and educate young children through community service. Early on, I realized that while the work is deeply meaningful, the systems behind it often lacked the proper support, structure, and consistency that both children and educators deserve.
Over the past 15+ years, I’ve grown from teacher to leadership, eventually serving as a Center Director and supporting schools in rebuilding and stabilizing their programs. I became known for walking into environments that were struggling with low enrollment, high staff turnover, and compliance challenges and helping transform them through strong systems, intentional leadership, and a people-first approach.
Along the way, I saw something even bigger. I firmly believe that children deserve a strong, solid foundation in their earliest years and the truth is, we build that foundation by directly supporting the adults responsible for them. When teachers are equipped, when leaders are supported, and when families are connected to resources, children thrive. That realization shifted everything for me.
It led me to create The Preschool Posse, a community and collaborative platform designed to support the entire “village” behind the child owners, directors, teachers, and families. Through training, mentorship, and real-world strategies, we focus on strengthening the people who are shaping the next generation. We also provide vital workforce development through First Aid & CPR training and professional services, further continuing our mission to encourage, equip, and empower the ECE community.
Today, I walk fully in my purpose helping others build, lead, and grow in early childhood education without losing themselves in the process. My journey has been rooted in faith, resilience, and a deep belief that when we pour into the adults, we can change outcomes for children.
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?
To get to this point no, it has not been a smooth road. The odds were against me from the very beginning.
I grew up in Philadelphia, PA as a chronically asthmatic child, raised by a single mother who worked three jobs at a time just to provide and ensure I had access to a private school education. Watching her sacrifice at that level shaped me early. It taught me resilience, discipline, and what it truly means to show up for the people you love no matter the cost.
After I graduated from middle school, we relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, which became a turning point in my life. Through every transition, challenge, and uncertainty, one thing remained constant: I always had a village.
I learned early on the importance of having a support system people who pour into you, believe in you, and show up when it matters most. That foundation shaped not only who I am as a person, but how I lead and how I serve others today.
One of my favorite quotes by Maya Angelou says it best: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” That has stayed with me throughout my journey.
Although the odds have often been stacked against me, there has never been a moment in my life where I didn’t feel loved, supported, or covered by someone in my village. And that’s what continues to drive me. It’s the reason behind everything I’m building today because I know firsthand that when people feel supported, seen, and valued, they are capable of becoming everything they were created to be.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Preschool Posse?
At the heart of everything I build is one mission: To serve others and strengthen the foundation of early childhood education by supporting the adults responsible for our children.
I am the founder of The Preschool Posse, a community and consulting platform created to serve the entire “village” behind the child owners, directors, teachers, and families. We specialize in helping childcare programs build strong systems, develop confident leadership, improve staff retention, increase enrollment, and create environments where children can truly thrive.
What I’m most known for is my ability to walk into programs that feel overwhelmed or inconsistent and bring clarity, structure, and stability. We don’t just focus on the classroom we focus on the people, the systems, and the culture. Because we firmly believe that when you strengthen the adults, you strengthen the outcomes for children. In addition, The Preschool Posse provides workforce development through training and services that support compliance and operational readiness. Everything we offer is rooted in real experience practical, applicable, and designed to create lasting impact.
What truly sets us apart is that we have lived every level of this work. Everyone on our team has been the teacher, the leader, the fixer, the parent, or the builder. I’ve personally led teams, turned struggling centers around, and supported programs through some of their most challenging seasons. We don’t just teach strategies we bring solutions that work in real time, in real environments.
I’m also the author of The HeartLed Leader Playbook: Leading Without Losing Yourself, which reflects my leadership philosophy leading with both structure and compassion, without sacrificing your peace, passion, or purpose in the process.
Beyond the titles, the services, and the strategy our work is deeply personal. We bring communities together with peace, passion, and purpose and that work extends far beyond the walls of any facility. The Preschool Posse build villages through intentional collaboration and meaningful connection. We choose community over chaos, always. Our work is centered around strengthening the foundation that allows children to thrive. We believe that when children feel safe emotionally, mentally, and physically they are positioned for success. And the truth is, we create that safety by pouring into the adults who are responsible for them every single day.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is the community we have built. The Preschool Posse is more than a brand it’s a movement and we are growing rapidly. It’s a space where educators feel seen, supported, and empowered. A space where people are reminded that they don’t have to carry this work alone. I don’t just believe in the power of a village I am the product of one. A strong village raised me, supported me, and shaped who I am today. That lived experience fuels everything we build in TPP.
Looking ahead, I’m preparing to launch My VELA, a center that will bring everything I stand for full circle high-quality education, strong systems, supported staff, and intentional community connection. Stay tuned…
What I want readers to know is this:
When we invest in the people who care for children, we don’t just improve classrooms we change lives. We change futures. We build stronger communities. And that’s the kind of impact we are committed to creating one leader, one child, and one village at a time.
The work truly is never hard for me because it has always comes from my heart. Passion led me here, but purpose is what keeps me building and The Preschool Posse is exactly where I’m called to be. In a world where you can be anything, and there is so much going on around us, I choose to be the village I once needed a source of support, connection, and consistency for others.
When people feel seen, supported, and poured into, they are able to show up fully and that’s how we create the best environments for everyone.
Who else deserves credit – have you had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in your success or the success of the business? If so – who are they and what role did they plan / how did they help.
Ummm… Absolutely! My faith deserves credit because it carried me when fear tried to stop me, grounded me when I felt uncertain, and reminded me that even when I couldn’t see the way, God already had a plan. In addition, my ENTIRE village showed up for this one—and when I say that, I mean that wholeheartedly.
Let’s keep it 100… I officially formed my business just a year ago. I left one job and went to the next, thinking that was my next step. However, I quickly learned that was my temporary assignment. I felt the urgent need to shift. People don’t shift when they’re comfortable, they shift when staying the same becomes more painful than changing.
In December 2025, I told my family I was going to quit my job. And you want to know the crazy part? Nobody questioned it. Nobody tried to talk me out of it. Every single one of them said, “Do it.” It got to the point where I almost started talking myself out of it because nobody else was. But that right there showed me the power of having the right people around you.
I took a leap of faith and jumped but I didn’t jump alone. I made sure I was surrounded by people who could help hold my parachute, people who would support me, catch me, and keep me steady while I found my way.
My friends, my family, and everyone who has supported me along this journey have played a role in getting me to this very moment. From the Jacksonville Women’s Business Center, to my BLI mentor Stephanie Searles, to a host of childcare industry colleagues, educators, and families who have poured into me and stood beside me along my journey in ECE.
My fiancé Anthony, has been a constant source of strength, encouragement, and support. My children, who are my biggest cheerleaders and my true reason why I don’t throw in the towel. My Preschool Posse leadership team, who believes in the vision and always helps me bring it to life. My biological father, because I was not a daddy’s girl growing up but grace and mercy has put us in the best possible space today. I am truly blessed to experience this full circle moment. My photographer, Aestelle Photography, and my hairstylist, Coco Chenele because showing up as your best self matters too.
And last but not least, my parents who showed me through their actions that no matter what happens in life, you hold onto the people you love. The strongest evidence of love is sacrifice, and I’ve lived that firsthand.
When I say I am a product of my village, as you can see, I mean that. This win isn’t just mine it belongs to every person who believed in me, supported me, and pushed me to keep going even when it wasn’t easy. I’m just the one carrying it forward. This is truly for the village.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The early childhood education industry is on the edge of a major shift and honestly, we’re already in it.
Over the next 5–10 years, we’re going to see continued growth and increased demand at a level we haven’t seen before. As more families rely on dual incomes and workforce participation continues to rise, the need for high-quality childcare will only increase. The industry itself is projected to grow significantly, with billions in expansion expected over the next decade.
But with that growth comes pressure and that’s where the real transformation is happening.
One of the biggest shifts we’re already seeing is a greater focus on the importance of quality over quantity. Families are no longer just looking for childcare they’re looking for safe, nurturing, developmentally appropriate environments that support the whole child. That means emotional safety, mental wellness, and intentional learning experiences are becoming just as important as academics.
At the same time, the industry is being forced to confront some real challenges staffing shortages, burnout, and sustainability. The workforce is the backbone of this industry, and without properly supporting educators, the system simply doesn’t work. That’s why I believe the next wave of change will center around investing in people better pay, stronger training, leadership development, and retention strategies.
We’re also seeing a shift toward technology integration and innovation not to replace educators, but to support them. From communication tools with families to data tracking and even AI-assisted learning and assessments, centers are becoming more efficient and connected.
Another major trend is policy and funding conversations. Childcare is no longer just a family issue it’s an economic issue. We’re seeing more discussions around universal childcare, subsidies, and government investment, which could completely reshape access and affordability in the coming years.
But if I had to say what the biggest shift will be it’s this:
We must move from a model of simply supervising children to a model of intentionally developing people. And that includes the adults.
The centers that will thrive in the next 5–10 years are the ones that understand this:
You can’t build strong children without building strong teams. That’s where my work aligns with where the industry is going. The future of childcare isn’t just in curriculum it’s in leadership, culture, and community. It’s in creating environments where educators feel supported, families feel connected, and children feel safe enough to grow. Because at the end of the day, this industry isn’t just evolving it’s being redefined.
And I truly believe we’re entering a season where those who prioritize people, purpose, and community will lead the way.
Pricing:
- See Website for Booking & Pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thepreschoolposse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepreschoolposse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575121948714
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latroyab
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepreschoolposse
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-preschool-posse-jacksonville
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_preschool_posse
Image Credits
Aestelle Photography
