CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Love is what keeps Dominique Bostic-Arrington going. Specifically, it’s her love of nature, animals, and the love for her kids.
“I love it,” she said as she wiped away tears.
Bostic-Arrington is a military veteran, occupational therapist, mom and teacher. Her classroom is on a three-acre urban farm in west Charlotte.
“We want them to roam and explore. We want nature to be the setting where if they see a dandelion on the ground they identify the texture, color, and smell,” she explained.
Bostic-Arrington runs Live Learn Play preschool. It serves kids ages 2 to 5 of all abilities and learning styles.
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“I know he really likes being outside and he really likes the water. So, I said, 'Let me try it,'” Aisha Bradley said about her 2-year-old son, who is also a student. “I feel I was breaking a generational curse and just opening the door for him to have Black boy joy."
Bostic-Arrington sees this preschool as an opportunity to change the narrative when it comes to Black and brown children and a connection to nature.
“That’s especially important for Black and brown children where nature isn’t seen as something that we do,” she said. “We’re hoping we can grow produce year-round."
For a lot of families, the cost of preschool can be a burden. According to the website Private School Review, the average private preschool tuition in North Carolina is $8,538 per year.
Finding the right preschool can also be an uphill journey for families. It is why Bostic-Arrington and fellow educators are working to provide tuition assistance and free tuition at Live Learn Play.
“We definitely are looking for grants and sponsorships, but until that time comes, I just try to work with families on an as-needed basis," she said. "So that they do get those services."
And the service she provides is where she says the most important lesson is love.
Contact Nick Sturdivant at nsturdiva1@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.