Slava Volman often credits his professional life to his childhood. He grew up as the oldest of ten brothers and sisters. With both of his parents working full time, he often acted as his siblings’ caretaker and babysitter. He was sixteen when his youngest sister was born. By then, he was used to diaper changing, preparing meals and finding activities that were suitable for his siblings’ varying ages. Slava says that this was the earliest incarnation of his business, Shooting Stars Daycare.

In middle school and high school, Slava remembers his fascination with his own teachers. He often spent time talking with them and learning about how they did their jobs. Slava’s mother fondly recalls a time when a ten-year-old Slava declared that a career in teaching was something he wanted to pursue.

His family always felt that his gentle, patient nature and the creative ways he could entertain kids would make him a good educator. He had always had a knack for caring for his own siblings. His parents encouraged him to go after this dream.

Slava’s undergraduate years were spent getting a degree in Early Childhood Studies. As he attended classes, he also worked at the university’s daycare. There he helped care for children of professors and students while they worked or went to class. The experience further cemented Slava’s realization that he wanted to work with kids.

During his undergraduate studies, Slava did several student teaching rounds at local elementary schools. These experiences helped him develop his own teaching style and get comfortable in a true classroom setting. After completing his undergraduate work, Slava went on to obtain a Master’s degree.

Slava Volman spent many years in a traditional classroom setting, working as a Kindergarten teacher. He loved that his classroom was the students’ first experience with formal schooling, and that he had the chance to set a positive tone for the rest of their educational experience.

Slava knew that a good classroom and a strong teacher could leave lasting memories on a student. He worked tirelessly to ensure that his classroom and his teaching stuck with his students even when they were much older. With help from his wife, Meredith, Slava made sure the classroom was perfectly decorated year after year. The room was visually appealing, full of brightly colored numbers and letters.

Slava’s work ethic and teaching abilities impressed both administrators and parents. He won several awards for his work, and parents frequently requested him as their student’s teacher.

When a series of budget cuts hit the school, Slava volunteered to take over the school’s after school childcare program. He organized games and activities for the children as they waited for their parents to pick them up. Slava always prepared nutritious snacks for the kids, believing that teaching young people to enjoy healthy foods at an early age was extremely important.

This experience caused Slava to think about his career and his future. Budget cuts continued to impact the school and created a tense atmosphere for all teachers. Slava began to consider whether he should use his talents as an afterschool care provider and educator in other ways. He started researching daycares, and what it would take to open his own daycare.

After a significant amount of planning, Slava Volman announced that the next year would become his last year as a teacher. He was starting his own daycare business. Students, staff, and parents were deeply saddened to hear that he was leaving, but also happy for him as he got started on his new project.

Slava Volman: Owner of Shooting Stars Daycare

Slava Volman began the Shooting Stars Daycare in his home. As the daycare grew, he moved to a larger building nearby to ensure that the children always had plenty of space to play and learn. The daycare is always stocked full of high-quality toys and books that are age-appropriate for each child.

Slava and Shooting Stars became known for “theme days” where he and the children act as scientists as they mix “potions” in his kitchen. Other days they’re archeologists searching for “dinosaur bones” in the backyard. The daycare experience also includes trips to the zoo and to local animal shelters. On these trips, students get to interact with animals as they learn about proper care for all creatures. Slava is glad to get to share his passion for animals and animal rights with the children.

After caring for brothers and sisters whose ages varied so greatly, Slava became an expert at catering his daycare programs to children of all ages and abilities. He makes sure that each child has fun, regardless of age or gender.

Parents of the children Slava cares for often call and write to express their gratitude for his excellent service.  For example, Nancy, mother of Lily, says, “Slava Volman is not your typical daycare provider. He goes above and beyond to teach the kids, keep them excited and make sure they’re having fun. You know when they’re with him they’re eating healthy foods, getting exercise, and learning something new. I never worry about what Lily is up to when she’s at Shooting Stars.”

Debbie, mother of Dylan, says, “I was nervous about returning to work and leaving my son. I didn’t want him just sitting in front of a TV at some daycare center all day. Shooting Stars Daycare is more than just a childcare facility. Slava keeps the kids active, and always gives them fun things to do. It’s more like a summer camp than anything else. Dylan always brings home things he’s made and is talking about the ‘theme days’ he’s looking forward to. I couldn’t have found a better childcare provider.”

Slava Volman takes great pride in the positive feedback the parents of his children offer. Slava Volman founded the Shooting Stars Daycare after years of working as a teacher and afterschool childcare provider. Slava Volman strives to offer a safe, healthy, and educational environment for each child who comes to his daycare facility.