Venetta Jones, Executive Director, Noah’s Ark Day Care of Port Jefferson, is authentic, respectful, nurturing and dedicated to the families she serves. “The Day Care has been a pillar in the community since 1993, and we serve children from 6 weeks old to 5 years old.”

Venetta was born in Georgetown, Guyana and her mom was sponsored to come to the United States to pursue better opportunities. As the youngest of her 10 siblings, Venetta was only 2 ½ years old when she came to The United States. “Over the years, the majority of my brothers and sisters have been sponsored by our mom and are currently living in The United States.”

Earning an education was always important to Venetta, so she enrolled at New York Technical College and earned her Associate Degree in Marketing/Management. “I initially thought I would go into business, but a career in education chose me!” She changed focus and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Childhood Education with a Minor in

Childhood Development and Psychology from Brooklyn College, as well as her Masters in Adult Education from the University of Phoenix. Along her college journey, she married at age 20 and had their first child by the time she was 22. “Family is extremely important to me, and I wanted to stay at home with my son. Being a wife and a mother was my number one priority. Six years later, Venetta’s daughter was born, and she loved every moment of being a stay-at-home mom with both of their children.”

In 2015, Venetta began working as a Pre-K Teacher at Children of America in Port

Jefferson, New York. Four years later, she accepted a Pre-K Teaching position at Noah’s Ark

Day Care of Port Jefferson. Within one year, Venetta was offered the Director’s position, and she accepted. “I love what I do and the decision to accept the Director’s position allows me to apply my Day Care experience along with my educational background.

During my transition to Director, the Center’s Assistant Director was encouraging, and the Board was supportive of the decision.”

Venetta is naturally drawn towards children, and they are drawn to her. Her heart to serve all families and all cultures is apparent---as she welcomes everyone with open arms.

“Mutual respect lays the foundation of all my relationships with staff, parents and children.

I encourage transparency and open communication with the parents, so their child’s needs and overall well-being are addressed. Our capacity is 45 children, and it is my responsibility to ensure that each infant/child is cared for in a clean, safe and loving environment.” The curriculum at Noah’s Ark addresses art, science and math as well as Social-Emotional-Learning skills. A firm foundation, both academically and emotionally, is key to the success of Noah’s Ark. There are systems and processes in place and families are accommodated as soon as possible if there is a ‘spot available’ in their child’s age group. Childcare fees vary based on the child’s age and the number of hours of care needed each week.

Venetta Jones is exactly where she should be and is serving those she was designed to serve. “Being around children brings me joy and energy. I do not see it as work. My son is one of the Pre-K Teachers during the summer months and he is an excellent role model.

All the children look up to him. I am proud to work alongside my son and see the patient and kind young adult he has become.” Venetta’s desire to be accommodating, genuine, supportive, nurturing and nonjudgmental serves her well in her role of Director at Noah’s

Ark Day Care. “I have always wanted to help others. Every day I wake up feeling blessed for the family I have and for the parents and children we serve at Noah’s Ark. After all, we want the same outcome—what is best for the children!”