Dalauna Tillman is passionate about providing quality early learning education for children. Her dedication and commitment to this vision is apparent as she leads a nationally accredited center, Kids Care Academy (KCA).

Her accomplishments while at the helm of KCA speak volumes: 

•  Accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in 2004 with renewals every five years since 
• Qualified for and accepted by Ohio's Step Up to Quality Initiative -- which recognizes quality early learning centers in the state
• Affiliated with Champion for Children -- enabling low-income families to receive quality child care from an accredited center

For Tillman, maintaining KCA's high standards is a priority. She emphasizes the importance of training to her staff by encouraging them to attend certification courses, take advantage of free course training, and enroll in degree programs. In fact, as of 2005, KCA teachers are eligible for financial aid assistance form the TEACH Early Childhood Project, which provides scholarships and other assistance for teachers.

In 2011, KCA became a five-star rated center with Ohio's Step Up to Quality Initiative. The program and its rating system are designed to recognize the efforts of licensed early care and education programs that take steps toward improving quality. In 2012, Kids Care Academy became a partner agency with the United Way of Central Ohio, acquiring an grant of approximately $180,000.

Tillman, a native of Columbus, Ohio, received her Bachelor's of Arts in Human Economics from Kentucky State University (1995) and her Master of Science in Human Ecology from The Ohio State University (1997).

Tillman firmly believes in the KCA mission statement, Caring for our Future Today! She and her staff strive to enrich the lives of each KCA student by providing an environment where children can develop the necessary skills that guarantee their future success.