Tonight’s Meet a Mom, Linda McGee, is the Executive Director of Children’s Day School, with campuses in Riverside and Glenville.
Bringing over 30 years of experience in Education to the role, Linda has been at Children’s Day School since 2022.
Linda shares what makes Children’s Day School so unique and special, her favorite parts of being the Executive Director, and how she finds balance with motherhood and work by finding time for herself.
Tell us a bit about yourself personally.
My son Michael is 38 and my daughter Shantae is 40.
I enjoy time with my dogs Brycen (Apricot) and Olivia (Red)
Spending time with my 16 month old grandson is my greatest joy. He lives in CA. so any time with him is special.
For those of us who aren’t familiar, please tell us about Children’s Day School and what makes it unique.
Children’s Day School is a full day Early Childhood program that provides children with a caring and supportive educational environment. CDS is unique in that we strive for the highest standards in Early Childhood Education and provide opportunities for students to learn by being actively involved in play and engaged in activities of interest.
What is your role at Children’s Day School and how long have you been there?
I am the executive director of CDS and started here in September 0f 2022.
Can you please share about your background and what led you to working at Children’s Day School ?
I have been in the education field for over 30 years starting as a 2nd grade teacher. After many years of teaching I became interested in school operations wanting to become an elementary school principal. Once I completed my Master’s Degree I landed my first administrative job as an Education Director in an early childhood program and have been working in the ECE field since. My operations skills lead me to roles overseeing multiple programs. When I relocated to Westchester County I no longer wanted to commute to NYC and my search for employment led me to CDS.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is working supporting the staff so that they can be at their best. ECE can be a very stressful yet rewarding field. Building a supportive school community where staff feel valued is what I like best.
Any advice for Moms looking for the right preschool for their kids? What should they be considering?
Any mom looking for preschool should look for a program with a welcoming school environment that makes them as parents feel comfortable with leaving their child. They should consider school hours, curriculum, and the classrooms of the school.
CDS is an excellent school of choice. Our extended hours accommodates working families.
How do you find a balance with motherhood and running a preschool? Any tips for the rest of the Moms out there?
My children are grown now. I am a firm believer of a work/life balance. When my children were young I worked full time, and went to school. I had to learn to leave work at work and once I left put on my mommy hat. I still utilize this practice today so that I can care for myself .
As mothers we tend to give, give, and give to others and we tend to put ourselves last. My advice would be to find time for yourself. You can not be your best if you are tired and worn down.
What do you like to do to relax/have fun?
I enjoy spending time with my family. I enjoy meditation walks with my dog Brycen and sitting home relaxing listening to instrumental music with aromatherapy candles/oils.
Anything else you’d like to share?
In ECE you have to love what you do. Spending time with the children is so rewarding and helps put many things into perspective. I know that I have remained in the education field because I truly love what I do.
We love to support local businesses. What are your fave places when you are in Greenwich to:
Go out for ice cream: Gopher
Go out to lunch: Little Pub, Italian Village Pizzeria, Aux Delice
