Meet Amanda Hill: Jelly Bean Junction’s Pre-K Classroom Lead

For more than 15 years, Pre-K Lead Teacher Amanda Hill has been shaping the early learning experiences of children at Jelly Bean Junction Learning Centers. She first learned about JBJ through a high school friend’s family, and that connection turned into a long-standing career built on intentional, individualized teaching. 

Recently, we sat down with Amanda to chat about her career, how early childhood education has evolved, and why the Jelly Bean community is so special – not only for families, but for the educators who choose to build their careers here. 

Finding Her Calling at Jelly Bean Junction 

Amanda didn’t start out as a lead teacher. She began as a classroom float, moved into a Pre-K assistant position, and eventually stepped into the lead role she holds today. And in her words, once she joined Jelly Bean Junction, she knew she had found her professional home: 

“Once I got to Jelly Bean, I was hooked,” shared Amanda. “I’m here until the day I choose a different career path – and it certainly wouldn’t be another childcare center. I love it here so much.” 

Her loyalty to Jelly Bean speaks volumes about the culture they’ve created – one that values stability, staff support, and long-term relationships with children and families.  

How Early Childhood Education Has Evolved  

Over the past decade, early childhood education has changed dramatically. Today’s classrooms take a “whole child,” approach, emphasizing not just academic learning but emotional well-being, social development, creativity, and physical health.  

For Amanda, who has spent 15 years in early education, the difference is unmistakable. She’s also seen teaching move away from a one-size-fits-all model and toward truly individualized learning that adapts to each child’s needs, interests, and pace.  

“Everything is so much more individualized,” she explained. “We focus on the needs of each child, and we have a lot more resources and tools to do that now.” 

She notes that Jelly Bean Junction supports individualized learning with their creative curriculum, using flexible lesson plans that are both structured and adaptable. For example, if a class becomes especially fascinated by race-cars or farm animals, the day’s plans can pivot to deepen that interest. Amanda loves that flexibility: 

“My kids are currently very into boxcars. We’ll make racetracks, talk about gravity, and build activities around it. I love that Jelly Bean gives us the freedom to follow children’s curiosity.” 

What Makes Jelly Bean Junction Different 

When asked what sets Jelly Bean Junction apart from other childcare centers, Amanda didn’t hesitate: 

“Intentionality. They always put kids first – educationally, environmentally. As a teacher, you know that when you walk in the door, you have what you need to make your classroom successful.”  

Beyond the classroom, Jelly Bean Junction invests in its teachers’ professional development, consistently offering the staff opportunities to further their education through things like events and conferences. They even approached and encouraged Amanda to get her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, giving her the funds to complete the program.  

“Jelly Bean leadership will push you to the next level,” Amanda shared. “If they see something in you, they will pull it out of you.”  

Explore Jelly Bean Junction Learning Centers 

We’re proud to have educators like Amanda - who pour their hearts into helping children grow, explore, and feel loved – on the Jelly Bean Junction team.  

If you’d like to see our classrooms in action, we’d love to welcome you for a tour. And if you’re on the fence – consider Amanda’s parting words about our learning centers:  

“Know that when you come to Jelly Bean, you’re joining a family that truly puts your child first. We love what we do – and it shows every day.”  

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