EARLY BIRD EDUCATIONAL CENTER
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Marianela Jimenez
Founder & CEO
My name is Marianela Jimenez, and I am the founder and CEO of Early Bird Educational Centers. Before establishing the centers, I spent over 35 years teaching with the New York City Department of Education. Working with children and watching their enthusiasm, eagerness and curiosity for learning inspired me to further my studies and expand horizons. This passion encouraged me to further my education and broaden my knowledge.
Over the years, I earned three Master’s Degrees: in Bilingual Education from City College of New York, in School Psychology and Counseling from Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD) in the Dominican Republic, and in School Administration from Long Island University (LIU).
As a teacher, I always held a vision of sharing my experiences with others, which fueled my passion for 35 years: "To give back to my community what the community has given to me." I firmly believe that a happy child is a successful one, which is why I have dedicated my life to Early Childhood Education. After retiring, I fulfilled my vision by founding Early Bird Educational Centers. Our mission is to help children thrive in a challenging world by fostering a love for learning while supporting their emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Currently, I serve on several Board of Advisor panels and act as a mentor to aspiring and current educators and administrators entering the field of Early Childhood Education.In my free time, I enjoy reading, listening to all types of music, and dancing. Above all, I treasure family gatherings with my son, daughter, and grandchildren. I especially love reading and writing with my son, who has special needs.
Eyeri Gonzalez
Co-Owner & Executive Director
With over 13 years of hands-on Leadership in Early Childhood Education and a strong foundation in Business Administration, I specialize in helping child care centers open, grow, and scale with purpose.
My journey began in the corporate world, where I spent over 15 years in administrative and senior HR management roles, including at a prestigious multi-billion-dollar investment firm in New York City.
In 2012, I transitioned into Early Childhood Education, working directly with infants and toddlers and partnering closely with Early Bird’s founder to turn a powerful vision into a thriving educational community.
As a Multi-Site Executive Director, I led the successful openings of multiple child care centers across New York City—including a 3K and Pre-K program in partnership with the NYC Department of Education—while preserving our core values and commitment to excellence.
Today, in addition to leading operations at Early Bird Educational Centers, I serve as a dedicated Child Care Consultant and Guru—mentoring Directors, guiding start-ups, and supporting established centers in expanding their impact. Whether launching a new daycare or refining operations at an existing center, I help owners build programs rooted in quality, sustainability, and community.
When I’m not in the classroom or consulting with clients, I enjoy traveling, running my Airbnb business, spending time with my family, being a proud daughter, wife, mother, and sister.
Yogeeta Singh
Multi-Site Director
My name is Yogeeta Singh, also known as Ms. Singh, and I serve as the Multi-Site Director and School Administrator at Early Bird Educational Centers. I oversee operations across multiple locations, ensuring high-quality educational experiences for children and strong support systems for staff and families.
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I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Economics, with a minor in Psychology, from CUNY Queens College. I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Early Childhood Education (Birth–2nd Grade), which I am expected to complete in December 2025. Inspired by the guidance of Ms. Jimenez and Ms. Gonzalez, this new chapter in my education is helping me deepen my understanding of early learning and better support our teaching teams each day.
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As a multi-site leader, I proudly guide and support a team of 10 dedicated teaching staff. I oversee onboarding, ongoing coaching, and professional development to ensure each teacher feels confident, well-prepared, and aligned with the center’s mission from day one. I work closely inside classrooms, helping maintain the founder’s vision while ensuring our practices meet the expectations of NYC Regulation 47 and NYC DOE Early Childhood Standards.
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Originally from Guyana, I migrated to Queens, New York, where I currently reside. New York City’s diversity, energy, and global cuisine quickly captured my heart and opened many doors for personal and professional growth. One of the greatest opportunities has been my work at Early Bird Educational Centers, where I can give back to my community through leadership, mentorship, and high-quality early childhood education.
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Outside of my academic and professional responsibilities, I love birds, traveling, and discovering new places. Whether exploring the city or traveling abroad, I find inspiration in every new experience.