The following article appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine, which includes hyperlocal stories about Ponca City. Get full access to all online articles, videos, and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.
“Teaching is the greatest act of optimism.“~ Colleen Wilcox, Professor
After years of doing childcare at home, Kristan Lawson felt there was a much larger need in the community that must be filled to truly care for the needs of area children. When looking at this area, there are about 1500 children under 5 and only 600 childcare spots available. On any given day you can find parents on social media expressing the need to find someone to care for their young children while they work.
Lawson remembers coming from basically nothing while growing up in Tonkawa. Well, nothing that is, except the most important thing of all: her “memaw” who believed in her and reminded her that “hard isn’t impossible.” She has always remembered that and always kept going even in the toughest of circumstances. Lately, those tough circumstances seem to be just the times when her friends and family pitch in to make sure due dates are met and projects are completed, such as her recent opening of Under My Wing Academy on July 1 after working long days for needed renovations.
When Lawson knew she wanted to open a larger facility, she reached out for assistance in all areas to ensure she had the knowledge and resources required to make it happen. She gives thanks to many, such as Kat Long with Ponca City Development Authority, Bob Evans with Pioneer Technology Center for a business plan and Alisha and her team at Equity Bank, along with many friends and family members who were part of the renovations and planning once she acquired the right space for now. While she was initially hoping for a larger space, what she acquired at Marland’s Place has proven to be perfect as her first (yes, there’s more planned for the future) childcare facility. Lawson says, “I have never felt so unapologetically supported in my life.” It’s a feeling she hopes to pass on to those around her.
Starting off smaller than she had originally planned has made it easier for Lawson to embrace every family served at Under My Wing more quickly. To benefit both the students and staff, she plans to keep low teacher to student ratios. When asked what else may help her academy stand apart from others, she mentions, “I think paying staff well over minimum wage is one thing that helps set us apart. We also have spots that we reserve for foster care children to help Marland’s Place next door.”
Lawson discusses the importance of each staff member and their wellbeing, saying, “Each staff member here is valued and valuable. I try to pour into them and their mental health and wellbeing as much as I possibly can.” Bringing her seriousness about that point to light, Lawson swaps services with a counselor in the same building area for mental health support for her staff free of charge, and they can have their sessions during their work time without losing pay. While she challenges them to be at their best on the job, she is serious about their wellbeing and determined to do all she can to see that their needs are met. This is not your traditional business model. Lawson also hopes to eventually provide the staff with profit-sharing as they help maintain the high standards she sets and keep the high quality and Star ratings.
Lawson trusts her staff, especially discussing her Assistant Director Denise Tyson and how she’s grown and meets any challenge given and stating that her hopes are to eventually have a Center Tyson will direct on her own. It is easy to see Lawson’s enthusiasm as contagious when talking to her Assistant Director Tyson, who says, “I love the relationships we get to build with the parents … and get to walk the journey with them as we see their kids grow and flourish and hit all of those amazing milestones.” She also mentions the “hugs are good for the soul.”
In maintaining the quality of the Center, they strive to keep family involved. Lawson says, “Not enough places embrace the whole family.” Under My Wing held a Color Fun Run to raise funds for outdoor playground shade equipment. They raised some of the money needed, and 50-60 family members and children participated. All of the kids stuck it out to walk the entire two miles and had fun, and the community was involved. Equity Bank staff members and Lawson’s husband Jason grilled hamburgers, Jiffy Trip and Parents as Teachers provided water and HTeaO helped her understand how to fundraise with them. Marland’s Place allowed the use of the entire outdoor area for the event, and the day was a success. As usual, Larson had communal participation to achieve the goal.
Fall events include a Book Fair, with a Family Back to School night being held within the time of the Fair, and a Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival. There will also be a Thanksgiving Feast and Equity Bank will partner with them for a staff appreciation event. Lawson appreciates all the community and these businesses do to continue the success and passion they all have for children.
Lawson understands that families need to have fun together, need to be together and need support systems. She hopes to provide resources to families, not just those she offers, to families in need. However, she does try to think of all she can do right in her Center that will meet the needs. For instance, when I toured the facility, one of the rooms that stood out was a room where a breastfeeding mother, or a father who just wanted to come and feed their baby, could come on their lunch break to spend time with their child. Under My Wing welcomes the visits by parents during the day if the parents can do so, which is especially important for infants or for neurodivergent children new to childcare who may need the extra supportive visit.
Right now, Under My Wing Academy’s hours are 6 a.m. to 12 a.m., now supporting second shift families as well as first shift. They have a current capacity of 47. Currently, their daytime rooms (ages 0-Kindergarten) are full with a waiting list, but there is some availability in the evening, where they serve 0–10-year-olds.
Lawson is looking to expand. Her heart is focused on a facility that has more room for neurodivergent children and their needs, so she says her goal is still to have a large facility to add to the one she has already opened. She wants those children to have a safe space with qualified educators. She also would like to offer more infant spots since so many parents who work struggle to find solid childcare during that important time in a child’s life.
Maybe most importantly, Lawson explains, “I want to change people’s views of childcare.” Willing to give all her optimistic energy to this, she is well on her way to doing just that as she makes the childcare worker feel important in their positions, as they should, in turn showing that those children are the most special treasures we have. “This isn’t my job,” Lawson says. “This is my legacy.”
Info box/Sidebar Suggestions:
Lawson discusses the importance of each staff member and their wellbeing, saying, “Each staff member here is valued and valuable. I try to pour into them and their mental health and wellbeing as much as I possibly can.”
In maintaining the quality of the Center, they strive to keep family involved. Lawson says, “Not enough places embrace the whole family.”
Under My Wing Academy’s hours are 6 a.m. to 12 a.m., now supporting second shift families as well as first shift. They have a current capacity of 47. Currently, their daytime rooms (ages 0-Kindergarten) are full with a waiting list, but there is some availability in the evening, where they serve 0–10-year-olds.
Lawson’s heart is focused on a facility that has more room for neurodivergent children and their needs, so she says her goal is still to have a large facility to add to the one she has already opened. She wants those children to have a safe space with qualified educators. She also would like to offer more infant spots since so many parents who work struggle to find solid childcare during that important time in a child’s life.
Lawson explains, “I want to change people’s views of childcare.”
“This isn’t my job,” Lawson says. “This is my legacy.”
Photographs:
Photos 1 & 2 (provided by Kristan and used with her permission)
1: Selfie after receiving the keys to new facility May 31
2: Under My Wings Academy staff photo at opening July 1
Photos 3-7 taken when I interviewed at facility in late October
3: Behind director’s desk. Letters and poster.
4: Dragonfly logo and photos of her kids.
5: Dr. Seuss-themed classroom
6: Tigger on hallway wall
7: Outdoor playground
➡️ Opt in or out of different newsletters on your “My Account” page.
➡️ Learn more about Ponca City Monthly+
Ponca City Monthly is a locally owned publication that delivers hyperlocal news in print and online.
Like what we are doing? Feel free to forward this along and tell a friend.
Sponsorship information/customer service: email [email protected]
