& Longevity
& Longevity
Preschool & Child Care Center Serving Farmington, NM
An Ongoing Vision To Develop The Whole Child
We strive to meet the needs of the whole child by providing a culturally sensitive, nurturing, safe, healthy environment where children, families, and staff feel inspired to reach their fullest potential, and every child develops academically, cognitively, socially-emotionally, and physically.
A Proven Leader. A Passionate Advocate. A Name Families Trust. Barbara Tedrow — “The New Mexico Child Care Lady”
With more than 26 years of experience in early childhood education, owner Barbara Tedrow has become one of the most recognized and respected voices for children, families, and educators across New Mexico.
What began in 2000 as a leap of faith—purchasing her first childcare center while balancing a full-time career and raising her own young family—has grown into a lifelong mission: to ensure every child has access to high-quality, safe, and enriching care.
Today, Barbara is not only the owner of A Gold Star Academy, but a statewide leader, national advocate, and policy influencer shaping the future of early childhood education.
Leading at the Highest Level: Barbara Currently Serves As
- President of the New Mexico Child Care & Education Association
- Former Chair of the Governor-appointed Early Learning Advisory Council
- Longtime Policy Chair and trusted voice in statewide early childhood legislation
She is widely known as “The New Mexico Child Care Lady”—a title earned through decades of advocacy, leadership, and unwavering commitment to families.
At her core, Barbara is still the same mother who once searched for safe, trustworthy care for her own child, because she believes every child deserves the best.
Barbara Tedrow
Owner / CEO / Founder
Awards & Accreditations Assure You Of The Highest Quality Care
Put your trust in a national NECPA accreditation and 5 stars from NM Focus. Add a Golden Chile award from the NM Grown coalition for accomplishments as a 2022 Farm-to-Preschool pilot grant awardee, and you know to expect the best.
Dedicated Educators Who Stay With Us—and With Your Child
Exceptional early childhood education begins with educators. That’s why we’ve spent more than 26 years building a passionate, dedicated team of professionals. While many programs suffer from frequent staff turnover, many of our teachers and directors have been with us for years—even decades. Here, your child enjoys lasting relationships built on consistency, security, and trust. And you truly get to know the experts caring for your child.
Your Child Learns From Teachers Who Never Stop Learning
Our Directors hold or are actively pursuing advanced degrees in Early Childhood Education, and ensure that every classroom maintains the highest standards. Many of our teachers hold degrees, certifications, and credentials in early childhood education, while others are actively working toward higher levels of education.
That means your child benefits from educators who stay current on:
- Child development research
- Early literacy and language development
- Social-emotional learning
- Positive guidance techniques
- School readiness practices
- Health and safety best practices
-
Developmentally appropriate curriculum and instruction
We invest heavily in our team because we know that when teachers grow, children thrive.
More Than Teachers—Mentors Who Set Your Child On The Right Path
Our educators do much more than supervise children. They create engaging learning environments, build meaningful relationships, foster confidence, encourage curiosity, and support every child’s unique developmental journey.
Each day, our teachers help your child build a love of learning through experiences that promote:
- Language and communication skills
- Early math and science exploration
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Creativity and self-expression
- Social and emotional development
- Independence and confidence
A Supportive Community That Feels Like Family
One of the things families tell us they love most about Gold Star Academy is the sense of connection they feel with our staff. Our teachers celebrate milestones, cheer on accomplishments, comfort children through challenges, and partner closely with families to support each child’s success. These relationships often continue long after children leave our program, creating a strong sense of community.
Resources That Support Home-School Connections
As you are your child’s first teacher, it’s important to partner with you to ensure continuity of care and learning. Printed resources and open communication help you connect with your child and help reinforce the concepts explored in the classroom.
Curriculum Tailored For Kindergarten Readiness
Participation in NM Focus and NM Pre-K means teachers can tailor curriculum within the state Early Learning Standards. They observe and assess every child to plan lessons and activities that cater to strengths and interests while addressing any potential gaps.
Your child deserves more than childcare—they deserve a place that inspires, nurtures, and helps them shine.
How Old Is Your Child?
Infants
6 weeks - 11 months
Toddlers
12 - 23 Months
Twos
24 - 35 months
NM PreK
3 & 4 Year Olds
Before & After School
5 - 12 Years
Summer Camp
5 - 12 Years