Thomasina Turner is the owner of Mountain Lake Childcare, an early learning center in Albemarle County “where little minds grow and hearts thrive.” Her center, which serves children as young as 6 weeks up to 4.5 years old, is committed to providing a safe, stimulating, and caring space for children to learn and grow. Mountain Lake Childcare is also a local Head Start provider, which Thomasina felt strongly about offering after previously working as a teacher in a Head Start classroom.
Now the operator of Head Start and Early Head Start, United Way acts as the collective impact backbone agency that coordinates services among multiple regional partners–collectively called the Greater Charlottesville Head Start Collaborative. Mountain Lake Childcare is a part of this collaborative effort and works alongside United Way to ensure full compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, with the larger mission of increasing access to affordable early childcare throughout the region.
Thomasina’s center was also a recipient of one of United Way’s 2025 School Readiness Impact Grants, which awarded funds to Mountain Lake Childcare to support their center’s growth, including updating their outdoor play space, hiring more educators, and expanding their programming. Below, Thomasina shares about her journey in early childhood care and education, the importance of programs like Head Start, and more.
Could you share more about your background and how you got into early childcare?
I got into childcare as a struggling parent whose autistic child couldn’t keep stable care. I either couldn’t afford care or the center or school constantly called me to pick him up because they didn’t know how to handle his behaviors.
What made you decide to transition from being a Head Start teacher to opening your own childcare center?
My ultimate dream was always to open childcare centers that served families who may not always have access to quality care. Working as a Head Start teacher really showed me just how great the need was in our community. I don’t really look at opening my own center as a decision I made. It felt more like a calling and something I knew I was meant to do.
Why is it important for you to offer Head Start slots in your community?
Its important to me because Head Start provides full-focused care for the families I want to serve. Head Start not only provides the education it also support parenting, health and mental health of not just the children but the whole family and that is my philosophy.
Could you share about how you have worked with United Way throughout your early childcare journey? What has this partnership looked like?
United Way has been an important partner in the growth of Mountain Lake Childcare P. They have supported us through funding opportunities, including the Impact Grant and Mixed Delivery program,and now the HS program. They have given so many resources and guidance that facilitated our growth.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced so far?
It would have to be a toss up between staffing and funding.
What was the impact of receiving a 2025 School Readiness Grant on your center?
Receiving the grant has had a profound impact on our childcare journey. It empowered us to transform our outdoor space into an enriching environment where children can both play and engage in experiential learning. Additionally, the grant helped provide essential funding to hire additional staff and launch much-needed programs.
Has there been a story or moment that has been the most impactful to you throughout your time working in early childcare?
Oh yes, Two families in particular. One came to us from a bad experience. The child was constantly being sent home due to bad behavior. once the child joined our center the behavior was almost nonexistent! Another grandmother during a meeting about her grandchild hugged me, cried and thanked me for never giving up on her grandson. Those are the moments I thrive for.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your role in advancing early childcare accessibility in our region?
For me, it’s about making sure families have options and that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and be cared for in a safe and loving environment.