Samantha Lacefield serves as the Administrative Director at A Place To Grow, which operates three locations serving families in Callaway and Cole Counties. She also co-owns the Cole County facility alongside Nicci Rexroat. APTG is an education-driven, care-centered program where children, families, and staff are supported and valued. The team is currently working toward accreditation, reinforcing their ongoing commitment to quality, growth, and excellence in early childhood care. Read more about Samantha below!
How did you become an advocate for early childhood education?
I was thankful enough to have an amazing boss who found Kids Win during COVID and her and I have been on the advocacy train since 2020.
Why do you think it’s important to be an advocate as a provider?
As providers our voices are not heard and many members of the community have no idea how our industry works. It is very important to share our values and stories with the community and legislators to help this industry come to the light it deserves.
Why should Missouri invest more in child care and early education?
When children and families have access to quality care it helps get families to work and helps our children have a better foundation for their future.
In one sentence, what does the ideal child care and early education system look like for Missouri families?
Mixed delivery- all children deserve care.
What is one thing you’ve learned about advocacy that you’d like to share with others?
Coming together helps our voices be heard. No single person can get the job done. We need a village.