Our Story
Rooted in Our Community. Growing Little Futures.
A Little Dream That Grew Into Something Big
For Lauren, Tadpole Prep is more than a preschool. It's a dream built on a lifelong love of education, a passion for children, and a desire to give back to the community she calls home.
Raised right here in St. Johns County, Lauren grew up in the very community where she would one day open her own early learning center. Lauren graduated from Flagler College with her bachelor's degree in elementary education and Exceptional Student Education (ESE).
After college, Lauren began her career doing what she loved: teaching.
Through years in the classroom, she saw firsthand just how important those early years are. She understood that every child learns differently, develops at their own pace, and deserves an environment where they feel safe, encouraged, and excited to learn.
And over time, a dream began to grow.
From Teacher to Preschool Owner
As both an educator and a mother, Lauren began imagining what it would look like to create an early learning center of her own.
She wanted a place where her own children could learn, grow, and thrive. But more than that, she wanted to create something special for other families in the community she loved.
A place where children weren't just another name on a classroom roster.
Where teachers truly knew their students.
Where learning happened through play, exploration, and everyday discoveries.
And where parents could feel confident knowing their little ones were being cared for, encouraged, and celebrated.
Lauren took her years of experience in education, her understanding of childhood development, and her passion for helping children succeed and turned that dream into reality.
That dream became Tadpole Prep.
Little Learners. Big Futures.
Today, Tadpole Prep welcomes children ages 6 weeks through 5 years, providing a warm, nurturing early learning environment right here in St. Augustine.
Lauren's background in education, along with her specialization in ESE, has helped shape her approach to early childhood learning.
She believes every child brings something unique to the classroom. Some children are eager to jump into new experiences, while others need a little more time and encouragement. Some learn best through movement, others through creativity, and others through hands-on discovery.
And that's exactly what makes early childhood education so special.
At Tadpole Prep, learning is about meeting children where they are and helping them discover what they're capable of.
Through caring teachers, purposeful play and hands-on experiences, children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, build friendships, and develop confidence. In our Preschool program, Experience Preschool (previously Mother Goose Time) from Experience Early Learning supports learning through play.
Because early childhood education is about so much more than learning ABCs and 123s.
It's about the toddler who finally puts on their own shoes.
The preschooler who makes their first best friend.
The little one who tries something new, even when they're a little nervous.
And the proud smile that comes when a child realizes, "I did it!"
Those little moments are what build the foundation for big futures.
Giving Back to the Community That Raised Her
For Lauren, St. Johns County has always been home.
It's where she grew up, where she's raising her family, and where she chose to build her business.
And her love for this community extends far beyond the classrooms at Tadpole Prep.
Lauren and her husband believe in the importance of giving back and making a positive difference in the lives of others. Their commitment to serving the community has also led them to establish the Ghaneie Foundation.
Through the foundation, they're continuing their family's commitment to supporting others and investing in the community they love.
For Lauren, opening Tadpole Prep and helping establish the Ghaneie Foundation are both rooted in something she believes deeply: when we invest in people and create opportunities for others, we help build a stronger community for everyone.
More Than a Preschool
When you walk through the doors of Tadpole Prep, Lauren hopes you feel what inspired her to open it in the first place.
A place where children are known.
Where curiosity is encouraged.
Where little accomplishments are celebrated.
Where teachers care about the children in their classrooms.
And where families feel like they're part of something special.
What started as one teacher's dream has grown into an early learning center built on education, family, and community.
For Lauren, there's nothing more rewarding than watching children grow in confidence, discover new things, and reach milestones that once seemed so big.
Because she knows that every big future begins with little moments.
Come Be Part of Our Story
Choosing an early learning center is a big decision, and we'd love the opportunity to show you what makes Tadpole Prep special.
Come meet our team, explore our classrooms, and see firsthand how we're helping little learners grow, play, and thrive.
Schedule a TourTadpole Prep | St. Augustine, Florida
Monday–Friday | 7:00 AM–5:30 PM
(904) 826-3300