It started as a way to help her family, but now one provider in Western Washington has turned early childhood education into a career. For more than three decades Carol Morris has been involved in child care, and she is working with the Imagine Institute to help others start their own provider business. She also is planning an educational trip to Ghana.
MEET CAROL
Carol Morris grew up in the Chicago area and joined the military after High School. While she was stationed in Germany she met her husband, and they have been together for more than 33 years. They moved back to the United States shortly thereafter, and together, they had four children. However, after their second child, Carol said she decided to make a change.
“We both agreed that it would be beneficial as a family if I would hang up the military boots and stay home with the children in their crucial formative years.”
Carol saw an ad for providing child care for military families while they lived in Virginia. She decided this would be a great way to help her military friends, as well as providing care for her own kids.
“My husband and I thought that was a great opportunity for us to earn extra income and give our three small children some playmates, so this is how my first experience as an early learning provider began. I became licensed to provide services for military families.”
CHANGE IN CAREER
After her kids grew up, she decided to take some time away from child care. After a decade in the hospitality field for the military, she was drawn back to becoming a provider for her grandkids. She went to school, and earned her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
“Being able to provide care to my grandchildren and watch them grow and have daily interactions with them has been the greatest perk and blessing of all.”
Carol also praises the Imagine Institute for helping her with her own education and being able to offer assistance to other people.
“Imagine has given me the opportunity to use and improve my teaching skills. Imagine has given me the opportunity to help others in this field by being a mentor, which in turn helps my communication skills. I can share my story which in turn may encourage someone else to go forth do things that they may have thought they could never do.”
The Adventures of Nine
TRAVELING TO GHANA
In June of 2025, Carol will be joining a trip to Ghana with other providers and children to learn about child care services, education, and mentorships.
“We will visit a school of the blind as well as other early learning programs during our time in Ghana. One of our mission goals is to ensure we bring items from our programs to share with them.”
Carol says their group will also be taking a group of children, ages 11 to 13, to help them learn about another culture outside of the United States.
“I want to provide my families with the opportunity to expand their horizon and to find out about different cultures and for some, their heritage. I want my families to have life-changing experiences. This trip is the first of many that we are planning.”
Carol says they are still raising funds for this trip, and are planning several events, leading up to June. If you would like to donate to Carol’s Ghana trip or purchase the book, The Adventures of Nine, please visit the following website: