Meet the Staff
Our History
Meet the directors and teachers behind the caring culture that has made Ozark Early Learning Center daycare and preschool a trusted choice for families in the Christian County area since 1978.
Our Daycare and Preschool Staff Love Our Incredible Kids!
Every early childhood center has classrooms, lesson plans, and schedules. But what makes the best daycare and preschool in the Springfield and Ozark area memorable are the people inside it.
At Ozark Early Learning Center, we’re incredibly thankful for the teachers and directors who show up every day ready to encourage, teach, comfort, celebrate, and occasionally wipe away tears. They are the smiling faces children run to each morning and the familiar voices parents come to know and trust.
If you’ve ever walked through our doors, you’ve probably noticed something right away—our staff enjoys being here. That’s because many of us have spent years, and even decades, at Ozark Early Learning Center. In fact, five members of our team have served here for more than 20 years. We believe those years represent something far more meaningful than longevity. They represent relationships, commitment, and a genuine love for children and families.
Tammy Loula
Director
Tammy Loula’s story at Ozark Early Learning Center began in 1987 when she accepted a position as a preschool teacher. Eight years later, she became the Ozark Early Learning Center director, and she’s been leading our Christian childcare center in Ozark, MO, ever since.
Ask Tammy what she enjoys most about her work, and she won’t talk about paperwork or administration. She’ll talk about the children.
“The time I’ve been able to spend with the children while working at Ozark Early Learning Center has been a real blessing in my life.”
After nearly four decades, Tammy still believes every child deserves to be seen as an individual. Whether she’s greeting families in the hallway, helping teachers, or spending time in the classrooms, her heart has always been to serve children and support the families who trust Ozark Early Learning Center for their local childcare in Christian County.
Michelle Garcia
Assistant Director
Michelle Garcia officially joined Ozark Early Learning Center in 2003, but her connection to the school started before she was ever hired. As a high school student, she volunteered through Ozark High School’s Parenting and Child Development program and quickly discovered she loved working with young children.
That passion eventually led her to Drury University, where she earned a degree in Elementary Education along with an Early Childhood certification.
Today, Michelle serves as both Assistant Director and preschool teacher, combining classroom experience with leadership that helps support both children and families.
“I have always had a real passion for teaching and loving children.”
Whether she’s reading stories, helping children master a new skill, or encouraging a nervous parent on their first day, Michelle brings patience, joy, and a steady presence to everything she does.
Name
Bio Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Name
Bio Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Name
Bio Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Name
Bio Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
More Than Coworkers
Our Family Is Here to Serve Your Family
Spend a little time around our staff, and you’ll quickly notice something special. We laugh together. We celebrate birthdays and milestones together. We pray for one another. We step in to help without being asked. Somewhere along the way, coworkers became friends, and friends became family.
That family atmosphere naturally extends to you and your children. We celebrate with you during first steps, first words, first friendships, potty-training victories, emerging reading and kindergarten readiness skills, and preschool graduations, with our buttons bursting almost as much as our students’ parents.
We believe that’s one of the reasons so many families recommend Ozark Early Learning Center to friends, neighbors, and even the next generation. Children who once filled our classrooms and experienced our nurturing childcare and early learning programs are now bringing us their own little ones. For us, that’s one of the greatest compliments we could ever receive.
We know it’s the love and pride in the little moments that often become the memories families treasure most, and we want to be here each day to make those possible for your family.
Now with your Brightwheel app member login, you can continue feeling part of the Ozark Early Learning Center family during your time away from your child. We’ve made a safe and easy way for you to stay connected during the day, part of our ongoing efforts to support you as you give your child the best childcare experience around Springfield, Missouri.
Explore Our Early Learning Programs
Quality childcare for baby, toddler, preschool & pre-K in Ozark, MO, and the surrounding communities.
