Danuelle Jones comes from a long line of caretakers that includes nurses, respiratory therapists and psychologists. Jones herself cared for the elderly, volunteering at Inglewood Senior Daycare and as a live-in caregiver in Sherman Oaks.

Driven by a desire for change, she recently transitioned into early childhood education — dedicating herself to nurturing the youngest and most vulnerable. She then strengthened her skills by earning an Associate Teaching certificate through UCLA Extension. This achievement was made possible through a partnership between Crystal Stairs’ African American Providers Network and UCLA Extension, which has empowered 35 African American early childcare providers to earn their certificates — each one on track to graduate this June.

“When a child gets an early start learning how to read and write, it’s truly life-changing,” Jones said. “It’s not just about letters and words — it’s about giving them a strong foundation, a chance to discover who they are and how they want to express themselves. We’re planting the seeds for a lifelong love of learning. Before they even step into kindergarten, we help them build confidence and curiosity. We’re not just preparing them for school — we’re preparing them for success in life.”

Jones was born in Memphis, Tenn., and moved to Woodland Hills at 14 — a big change that helped shape her path. Caretaking wasn’t something she chose; it was something that came naturally. Her grandmother saw that spark in her early on and helped her land a volunteer role at a senior citizens home in Inglewood. From there, her journey deepened — caring for her ailing grandfather and then later becoming a live-in caregiver for someone living with dementia. Each experience wasn’t just a job, it was calling rooted in compassion and a deep sense of responsibility.

Although the work had been deeply fulfilling, Jones began to feel a quiet pull toward something new. She knew she had more to offer, and she also craved a bit more balance in her life with a schedule that allowed her to breathe and care for herself.

“Being an in-home caregiver takes everything you’ve got,” she said. “You really must have a heart for it. It’s not just a job — it’s a passion. But I reached a point where I needed to find a path that gave me room to grow and take care of my own peace of mind.”

In 2023, Jones stepped into early childhood classrooms for the first time while also taking teaching courses at El Camino College. It felt like a natural next step — one that blended her nurturing spirit with a new sense of purpose. Then, in 2024, a colleague shared something that would change everything: the Crystal Stairs program through UCLA Extension’s CareerBridge. It was an opportunity to deepen her training and expand her impact. That spark she’d always had for caregiving reignited. This time with a clear vision for the future.

“Before I chose childhood education I worked as a caregiver establishing a safe and trusting relationship with seniors. Now my life has taken a different direction,” Jones said. “My passion is helping children develop their learning skills while assuring the children feel secure in a nurturing environment.”

Her classes at UCLA Extension have been illuminating.

“I was particularly impressed by the balance between the theoretical knowledge and the practical application,” she said. “The assignments were designed to mirror real world scenarios, which greatly enhanced my problem-solving skills and prepared me for the challenges of early childhood education.”

One assignment that really stayed with Jones was the “Code of Ethics.” It was something she had always felt in her heart — treating children with respect, patience, and care — but she had never taken the time to study it in depth. Putting it into words gave her a new perspective.

“Children come into the classroom with all kinds of personalities and learning styles,” she said. “As a preschool teacher, you must meet them where they are, but you also must hold yourself to a high standard. That code of ethics really opened my eyes. It reminded me that this work is serious, and it deserves that level of respect.”

The program also gave her a chance to stay current with the latest teaching practices and connect with other passionate educators — something she found both inspiring and energizing.

Jones is most interested in working with children in preschool ages 2 to 5. The Associate Teacher certificate will allow her to better assist the lead teacher in the classroom.

“I’m excited to complete the certificate and embark on my career that aligns with my passion for nurturing young minds,” she said.

She also reflected on the pride of being part of this large cohort of African American women completing the certificate training, adding that there are not enough African American women across Los Angeles in early childhood spaces.

“It’s a great thing for African American women to be supported by Crystal Stairs program through UCLA Extension’s CareerBridge. The eight-week course goes by very quickly. It’s reachable and tangible. You can do this, establish yourself and get your certificate,” Jones said. “Los Angeles is such a beautifully diverse city. And within that diversity, we need more African American women stepping into these early education spaces. We need them learning, earning their certificates, and bringing their voices and experiences into the classroom. Our children deserve to see themselves reflected in their teacher. It makes a difference. It’s not just about teaching ABCs. It’s about building identity, confidence and community from the very beginning.”

For more information visit the Crystal Stairs African American Provide Network Webpage and the UCLA Extension Early Childhood Education - Associate Teacher Webpage.