Kristen M. Waterfield: Transforming Early Childhood Education for 25 Years and Beyond

Kristen M. Waterfield is a woman who has made an immense impact on early childhood education in the Philadelphia region and beyond. As the initial founder and now President of The Malvern School, she has shaped the educational landscape for tens of thousands of young children over the past 25 years. Her schools have raised the bar for what early education can and should be.   

Kristen's journey from teacher to respected entrepreneur was not something she initially envisioned. It took an unexpected encounter and a leap of faith to put her on this groundbreaking path. Along the way, Kristen stayed true to her core values of nurturing children's growth and empowering teachers. The result is a network of innovative schools where children thrive, and educators are elevated.   

Unexpected Career Beginnings   

For as long as she can remember, Kristen felt drawn to teaching and caring for young children. As a child herself in rural Pennsylvania, she spent much of her free time babysitting and tutoring. At Wilkes University, she earned a Bachelor of Education degree in Elementary Education and Teaching, cementing her identity as an educator.   

After graduation, Kristen taught kindergarten and second grade in her hometown. She adored the experience of guiding children's learning and watching them grow. At the same time, she had an intuition that there were even more ways she could make an impact. Little did Kristen know a serendipitous encounter one summer would unveil a whole new world of possibilities.   

During a jog one early summer morning, Kristen noticed a school being built nearby. Kristen recalls , "I stopped by and started talking to this gentleman who was standing on a dirt pile as he was busy building his school."    

Kristen explains, "He started telling me about the early childhood education industry. I have an early childhood degree as well, but I didn't know much about the industry." As their conversation went on for over two hours, Kristen became utterly inspired. To her surprise, the gentleman turned out to be the founder of The Goddard School, a nationally respected early education organization.   

By the end of their talk, he offered Kristen a job helping launch his franchise company. She would have the opportunity to develop a curriculum and train teachers. "It was a big chance to relocate from the only place I'd ever known to the 'big city' of Philadelphia," reflects Kristen. "But I knew this was what I was meant to do."   

With encouragement from her family, 23-year-old Kristen took the leap. She packed her bags and set off to embark on her new career chapter. She had no idea, at the time, how profoundly this choice would shape the rest of her path.   

The Malvern School's Inception   

Kristen flourished in her role with The Goddard School. She dove into designing the curriculum and training the franchise locations' teachers. Kristen also continued expanding her knowledge of early childhood education models.   

After several years, an instinct told Kristen the franchise structure was not the ultimate fit for her ambitions. She envisioned creating something new that would exceed even what The Goddard School offered. Kristen explains, "I realized I could do more for children and teachers with a different type of model—so I decided to branch out and start The Malvern School in 1998."   

Armed with experience and guided by her educational philosophy, Kristen opened the first Malvern School in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Two more locations quickly followed. While it was intensely challenging to simultaneously launch three schools and start a family, Kristen powered through with support from her dedicated team.   

She remains eternally grateful to the parents who entrusted their children to her newly minted schools. Kristen shares, "I have never forgotten that because they put their faith in me, and they put their faith in my vision."   

Fostering a Love of Learning   

The Malvern School provides enriching early childhood education for children ages six weeks to eight years old. The network has grown to over 25 locations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The Malvern School takes a holistic approach focused on nurturing children's cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development.    

Programs go beyond typical daycare with a curriculum designed to meet or exceed standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The schools employ educated teachers specifically trained in early childhood education and development.    

Facilities include innovative spaces like the Fascination Station for toddlers and the Discovery Room for older children, promoting hands-on, engaging learning through play and exploration. With a philosophy of educating the "whole child," The Malvern School delivers diverse, individualized programming in a warm, loving environment.   

Three-Pronged Core Values   

In crafting her unique approach, Kristen focused on the three core components of an impactful early education environment: teachers, families, and children. For teachers, Kristen aimed to elevate their profession and provide fulfilling career development opportunities. "I wanted to lift up and show the value of these amazing early childhood teachers," she explains.   

To support families, Kristen endeavored to create a place where parents feel at ease while pursuing their passions. "What I hoped to provide families is a place where they can bring their child that they feel really good about," says Kristen.   

Most importantly, Kristen put the holistic well-being of children at the heart of everything. Her goal was for kids to learn through programs that are both nurturing and fun. As Kristen describes, "Our core values begin and end with children."   

This people-focused philosophy differentiates The Malvern School from competitors. It has also fueled the organization's steady and deliberate expansion. Kristen reflects, "I'm really proud of the authentic and integral way that I've led this company for 25 years."   

Moving Forward with a Mission   

After 25 remarkable years nurturing The Malvern School, Kristen recently reached a new milestone. She sold the company to the international education corporation Busy Bees.   

Rather than viewing the sale as the end of an era, Kristen sees it as a springboard to help make The Malvern School even better. She took great care in choosing a parent organization that would uphold The Malvern School's integrity. Kristen says, "Becoming part of the Busy Bees family opens up exciting opportunities for our schools, staff, children, and families."    

Kristen is staying on as President of The Malvern School. One of her top priorities is supporting her loyal team of 500+ teachers and staff. Kristen says, "I'm really proud of the authentic and integral way I have led this company. That's not changing."   

Though no longer the owner, Kristen remains integral to shaping The Malvern School's future. She provided children with exceptional early education for 25 years and is now carrying on that mission with worthy successors.   

Advice for Educators and Entrepreneurs   

Throughout her journey, Kristen learned invaluable lessons about passion, people, and perseverance. She encourages others with a calling to education or entrepreneurship to stay open to unexpected opportunities. Saying yes to that fateful meeting set Kristen's whole career in motion.   

Kristen also urges people to lead with their hearts. "What do you love?" she asks. "I love teachers, I love children, I love education. And I was able to turn that into a rewarding business." Finally, Kristen advises staying grounded in integrity. "Always do your best and be honest. Put out something you're really proud of and passionate about," she urges. "That's what led to my success."   

Leading Through Service and Recognition   

In addition to her pioneering work in early childhood education, Kristen is dedicated to community service and empowering other women. She sits on the Board of Trustees for Valley Forge Educational Services and volunteers with organizations like Nerdy Girl Success, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, and the Forum of Executive Women.   

Kristen's leadership has been widely recognized. She has received honors such as the Philadelphia Business Journal's Most Admired CEOs and Women of Distinction and a Gold Stevie Award for Entrepreneur of the Year. Through her board roles, philanthropy, and accolades, Kristen continues to inspire young minds as well as advocate for women business leaders and entrepreneurs.   

Kristen is clear her advocacy for early childhood education and teachers will continue. "I'll continue to use my time and experience to lift up this field and the value of those who dedicate their lives to nurturing children."   

Kristen's lifelong commitment to empowering children remains her driving purpose. Her leadership and vision will continue inspiring young minds through The Malvern School and beyond.