From dreaming of big cities, tall buildings and lots of cars, Pree, a former refugee, is now making her dream a reality. 

“I’ve always seen the U.S. in movies. I dreamt of living in my own home and driving my own car. Now, my dream has come true,” said Pree. 

Pree Aung and her family of four moved to Iowa in 2014 from a Thailand refugee camp. Having family in Des Moines, Pree heard about Iowa’s Karen community and the work opportunities in the area. “Iowa has a big community for my family, many Asian grocery stores, and an organization that helps refugees [LSI]. Iowa has everything that I need and want,” she said. 

Pree started taking English Language classes at LSI three days a week. Her interpreter told her about all the LSI programs she qualified for, including the Child Care program. “That’s when I decided to do something for my future,” said Pree. 

“I wanted to become a child care provider because, as a mother myself, I love kids and want all kids to have a safe place for child care. All mothers deserve to go to work without worrying about their kid’s safety.” 

For many parents who arrive in the U.S. as refugees, it is difficult to find quality child care. Families are adjusting to life in the U.S. and may feel hesitant leaving their child with a stranger who doesn’t speak their language, or they may not be able to afford child care. LSI’s Child Care program trains immigrants to start their own in-home child care businesses, which benefits more families in the refugee community. 

LSI staff supported Pree through her training by providing her with a Karen interpreter and helping her through each step of her certification. “LSI staff helped walk me through my trainings, including CPR classes and Mandatory Reporter Training. Two of the most valuable things I learned in the program include how to keep track of children’s medications and what to do in emergencies.” 

Pree became a child care provider in 2016, achieving licensing in just 6 months. “At the start, I thought it wouldn’t be easy to earn my provider license. I was a full-time mom, so I knew I wouldn’t be able to work until I became a provider myself. With the help of LSI’s services, I was able to finally reach my goal.” 

Today, Pree’s Karen-speaking in-home child care business is made up of three children. In the future, she hopes to own her own child care center or school. “I would love for my whole family to work together at our own child care center and be providers together,” said Pree. 

“My advice to full-time moms in my community is to do something that can be beneficial for you and your family. Try to get your child care license or a different license that is available in your area,” said Pree. “You are stronger than you think. If I can do it, you can too.” 

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