Daniela Petre on the vision and decisions that made dreamland a unique place for children

Daniela Petre tells us how she built Dreamland by combining modern early childhood education, FasTracKids methods, and STEAM approaches, and how her values and strategic decisions have transformed children’s experiences.

Daniela Petre is the founder and director of the accredited private kindergarten Dreamland and the holder of the international educational franchise FasTracKids in Romania, with over 18 years of experience in early childhood education, dedicated to the harmonious development of children through modern programs based on the theory of multiple intelligences, STEAM approaches, and the formation of essential life skills.

C&B: If we were to look at a narrative thread of your career, what were the key moments that defined you?

Daniela Petre: The narrative thread of my career is closely linked to a few essential strategic decisions: establishing Dreamland Kindergarten in 2007, acquiring the international educational franchise FasTracKids in 2010, and expanding by opening the second location in 2011. Each of these stages strengthened my vision of early childhood education and contributed to building a solid and respected educational brand.

C&B: What has been the biggest challenge you have faced throughout your career?

Daniela Petre: The biggest challenge was undoubtedly the pandemic period, which required a rapid and profound adaptation of the entire educational process. A major advantage was that the FasTracKids programs already had technology compatible with the online environment, which allowed us to transition efficiently and in a very short time. This period demonstrated our adaptability, the resilience of our team, and the robustness of the Dreamland educational model.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?

Daniela Petre: From the very beginning, my dream was to create a place where children are welcomed with care, respect, and warmth, a space where they are seen, heard, and understood. I wanted Dreamland to provide not only a solid knowledge base but also to develop essential life skills: communication, social interaction, self-confidence, and autonomy.

C&B: How did you look at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you have transformed up to now?

Daniela Petre: The beginning, like for any entrepreneur, was full of challenges. In the first year, Dreamland started with only six children, two of whom were my own and four others whose parents trusted us from the very start. These children stayed with us, graduated from Dreamland, and are now adults, which deeply moves and honors me. Our growth has been organic, based on results, recommendations, and the constant consolidation of our reputation.

C&B: If we met with your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?

Daniela Petre: I believe my team and collaborators would say that I am a fair, engaged, and approachable leader, a person who provides support, stability, and leads by example. I highly value authentic relationships and creating an environment where every team member feels appreciated.

C&B: What is the most important decision you have made that changed your trajectory?

Daniela Petre: One of the most important decisions was, in 2018, reorganizing operations by maintaining only one location, the one in Tineretului. This decision proved to be extremely wise, especially in the context of the 2020 pandemic. Another fundamental decision that profoundly influenced the direction of Dreamland was acquiring the FasTracKids franchise in 2010 and integrating these international programs into the kindergarten curriculum.

C&B: How would you define Dreamland’s educational philosophy, and what values are essential in the way you work with children?

Daniela Petre: Dreamland’s educational philosophy is based on a comprehensive and balanced approach to the child. We follow the Ministry of Education and Research curriculum for cognitive development, and through the FasTracKids programs, we complement this journey with the development of communication skills, critical thinking, collaboration, and self-confidence.

C&B: What makes Dreamland different from other kindergartens, both pedagogically and emotionally?

Daniela Petre: Dreamland stands out in the way it combines the rigor of national accreditation with the international educational innovation of FasTracKids. The “educational zig-zag” method, the use of interactive technology, and the constant focus on children’s emotional needs create an engaging and effective learning environment. Our children not only acquire knowledge but also develop real-life skills: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments of the day bring you the greatest satisfaction?

Daniela Petre: My day begins in the morning, welcoming the children, which is an extremely important moment for me. I like being close to parents, providing them with real feedback about their child, and giving them the assurance that their child is seen and valued at Dreamland. The rest of the day is divided between administrative activities, visits to classrooms, observing interactions among children, and meetings with the team to ensure the coherence and quality of the entire educational process.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them every day?

Daniela Petre: The values that guide me are quality, respect, responsibility, and genuine care for the child. Everything we have built at Dreamland is benchmarked against the standards I wanted for my own children, and this principle is reflected daily in our decisions and actions.

C&B: How was Dreamland Kindergarten born, and what inspired you to start an educational project dedicated to children?

Daniela Petre: Dreamland was born from a personal and profound need: to provide my children with a suitable educational space that I could not find in the existing public or private system at the time. This need transformed into a heartfelt educational project, which grew organically and today is dedicated to all children and families who cross its threshold.

C&B: What is the most common positive feedback you receive from parents, and how does it influence your way of working?

Daniela Petre: The most frequent feedback we receive from parents, especially those whose children have already graduated, is that Dreamland was the most beautiful period in their child’s life and that nowhere else was it the same. These words confirm that we are on the right path and are my main motivation to continue and constantly evolve.

Parents who seek a stable, modern educational environment that is deeply child-centered are invited to discover Dreamland and experience the difference between an ordinary kindergarten and one that truly develops character and life skills.