Meet Marvelous Minds

Rosa is a visionary and influential thought leader in the child care industry, dedicated to breaking down barriers and ensuring that child care is not an impediment to progress for parents and young learners. Inspired by the legacy of her grandmother, Rosa Ross, she has embarked on a remarkable journey that has led her to become the President of Marvelous Minds Academy, an educational cooperative for exploratory learning.

Rosa's path to success has been marked by resilience and determination. Despite initial struggles, she fearlessly started her own child care business while raising small children. In the face of doubt from family members, she remained steadfast in her pursuit of excellence. Overcoming financial difficulties and personal hardships, Rosa poured her energy into self-improvement, learning from influential authors and mentors who shaped her into the exceptional leader she is today.

One of the major milestones in Rosa's journey was securing funding and finding a suitable building for Marvelous Minds Academy. Through her unwavering persistence and a shared vision, she garnered financial support from local organizations and the city of Rochester. A fortuitous encounter presented her with the opportunity to lease a building, although it initially fell short of fire safety regulations. Undeterred, Rosa continued her search for alternatives, demonstrating her resilience and commitment to realizing her dreams.

Navigating the complexities of New York State OCFS regulations and waivers was a pivotal moment for Rosa and her academy. Despite encountering attempts by OCFS to cite them for operating illegally, Rosa's deep knowledge of the law and meticulous record-keeping allowed her to demonstrate compliance. Additionally, she proactively addressed fire safety concerns and explored alternative solutions such as portable sinks. As a result of her resourcefulness and dedication, a waiver was granted to meet educational requirements for the director role, saving valuable time and avoiding excessive debt.

Rosa's expertise extends beyond her visionary leadership. Her role-related certifications serve as a testament to her commitment to ensuring the safety, well-being, and quality of care provided by child care providers and staff. As a Certified American Red Cross CPR & First Aid Instructor, she equips child care professionals with the necessary skills to respond effectively to emergencies. Her NYS Certified MWBE designation recognizes Marvelous Minds Academy as a minority and women-owned business, fostering diversity within the child care industry. Additionally, her SAC Director Certification qualifies her to oversee the operations, curriculum, and safety of school-age child care programs. Furthermore, Rosa's role as an on-demand instructor with ECETP allows her to deliver training sessions and educational resources, supporting the growth and development of child care professionals.

Rosa's influence has extended to notable events and media appearances, with her involvement in organizations such as NAEYC and appearances on platforms like WXXI and Early Learning Nation. Through her active participation in these engagements, she has consistently advocated for the importance of high- quality child care and its transformative impact on the lives of children and families.

In addition to her role at Marvelous Mind Academy, Rosa holds a significant board position within the child care community. She serves on the board of the Child Care Council, where she contributes her expertise to shaping policies and initiatives that enhance the quality and accessibility of child care services.

Above all, Rosa is dedicated to inspiring parents to design their own lives and be the architects of their futures. Her unwavering commitment to addressing challenges within the child care industry has positioned her as a solution-oriented leader. With a passion for empowering parents and nurturing young minds, Rosa is poised to shape the landscape of child care, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and paving the way for a brighter future for generations to come.