My name is Marie Hammond. I am the Owner and Director of Shining Stars Preschool Academy, Inc. in Brandon. We have been licensed to provide for children ages one to twelve years old for 28 years and accredited for 18 of those years. We average 30-50% School Readiness students and 2-4 VPK classes each year. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Educational Studies and Leadership with a concentration in Early Education in 2017 and look forward to beginning a Master of Science in Early Education program next month. 

Early Education is my passion, therefore I always have a lot of ideas and input in regard to the different programs that surround early educators. I am involved day to day with all aspects of operating a quality learning environment. I would love an opportunity to connect with and communicate on behalf of our early educator community here in Hillsborough County by serving on the Coalition Board.

As a hands-on Owner and Director of a preschool for the past 28 years, I have much experience with School Readiness and VPK programs as well as the Child Care Food Program, Incentives, TEACH, Child Care Licensing and CLASS Assessments. I am familiar with all programs used for Early Education administration and yet still know what it is like to step into the classroom.