Her Story
About Dolores
Dolores Hamilton is a dedicated early childhood education professional and currently serves as Lead Preschool Teacher at Building Kidz School. She has been passionate about working with young children since 1999, when she returned to the field after her oldest child began preschool. Dolores earned her Early Childhood Education certification through Penn Foster in 1998 and has built a diverse career spanning early childhood education, special education, and the corporate biotechnology sector. Her experience includes working as a paraeducator with students from preschool through fifth grade, including children with special needs, before returning to her true passion as a lead teacher in preschool and transitional kindergarten classrooms.
In her role as Lead Preschool Teacher at Building Kidz School, Dolores creates engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, independence, and a love of learning. She specializes in working with three-year-olds and incorporates circle time, songs, curriculum preparation, interactive storytelling, creative activities, and hands-on learning into her classroom. Her background in special education has strengthened her ability to recognize individual needs and provide a supportive, inclusive environment for every child. Dolores also extends her passion for early childhood literacy beyond the classroom through her YouTube channel, Story Adventures with Ms. Dolores, where she brings stories to life through expressive voices, animation, and props. She further contributes to her community by volunteering at preschools for reading activities.
Dolores attributes her success to her warm, loving, and welcoming personality and to the life experience she has gained as a mother of three and grandmother of five. She believes in building strong, trusting relationships with parents and creating a family-like connection with the children in her care, viewing herself as more than simply their teacher. She strives to bring a positive and nurturing presence into the classroom each day, regardless of personal challenges, because she understands the importance of providing children with consistency, encouragement, and emotional support. Outside of her professional life, Dolores enjoys reading at the library, traveling to support her son’s basketball games, and volunteering with young children, reflecting her continued commitment to family, literacy, and her community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dolores
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my warm, caring, and welcoming personality, which allows me to build genuine connections with both children and their families. As a mother of three and grandmother of five, I bring a natural understanding of children and the important role families play in their development. My positive attitude, enthusiasm, and ability to create a nurturing environment have helped me earn the trust of parents and become a valued and beloved teacher in the classroom.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering the early childhood education field to make sure they genuinely love working with children, because this career requires patience, compassion, dedication, and a true passion for helping children learn and grow. It is also important to learn how to separate personal challenges and emotions from your professional role so that you can enter the classroom each day with a positive, patient, and nurturing attitude. Children depend on their teachers to provide a safe and encouraging environment, so bringing your best self to the classroom every day is essential.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in early childhood education today is the growing competition from free Transitional Kindergarten (TK) programs offered through California’s public elementary schools. As more families choose these half-day programs to reduce childcare expenses, private and franchise daycare centers are seeing a decline in enrollment. With the high cost of living in California, affordability is a major consideration for parents, making it increasingly important for childcare providers to demonstrate the value of full-day care through high-quality education, nurturing environments, and dependable support for working families.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are building strong, trusting relationships with parents and creating a sense of family for the children in my care. I believe being a teacher means more than providing education; it means being a caring, dependable, and positive presence in a child’s life. I make it a priority to maintain a warm and happy classroom environment and to leave personal challenges at the door so that each child receives the patience, encouragement, and attention they deserve. Outside of work, I enjoy reading at the library and traveling to support my son at his basketball games.
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