We are Droppin' J.E.M.S

Droppin’ J.E.M.S is an educational organization dedicated to bridging the gap between parents, educators, and communities. We provide tutoring, consulting, and training designed to support children, families, schools, and small businesses in reaching their full potential.

Rooted in purpose, we focus on early childhood education, parent empowerment, teacher development, and community growth—because we believe it truly takes a village. Through every service, our mission is to raise standards, build strong foundations, and create lasting impact.

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Sometimes the greatest visions don't arrive exactly as planned.

Droppin' J.E.M.S was officially founded in 2020, but its roots began years earlier through one educator's dream of opening a childcare center. Stretching back years earlier through a journey of education, business development, childcare leadership, and a deep commitment to strengthening families and communities.

What began as a dream to open a childcare center evolved into something much larger, a comprehensive support system designed to bridge the gap between parents, educators, schools, businesses, and communities. What started as a single vision evolved into something much larger. Through years of working in childcare, education, business operations, and consulting, one truth became clear: children thrive when the adults around them are supported too.

As needs emerged within families, schools, childcare programs, and small businesses, Droppin' J.E.M.S grew alongside them, creating solutions that now support the educational journey from early childhood through adulthood.

The journey wasn't planned, it was built through service, experience, faith, and a commitment to meeting people where they are. While the path wasn't always straightforward, each challenge revealed another need within the educational ecosystem. Those experiences ultimately shaped the organization we are today.

Today, Droppin' J.E.M.S provides educational consulting, tutoring, parent education, business development support, and educator workforce solutions that help children, families and businesses shine, ultimately doing our part to help our communities thrive.

Meet the Owner

~Minika Johnson

2013

2014

2015

2018

2020

2022

2024

The dream began when plans were launched to open a childcare center in Merrillville, Indiana. During this time, a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management was pursued while building leadership and business experience, sparking a deeper passion for creating solutions that support children, families, and educators.

The Consulting Foundation began with launching consulting services for small businesses, focusing on improving operations, staffing, training, retention, and growth. This work helped develop the hands-on consulting approach that later became a core part of Droppin’ J.E.M.S., combining classroom knowledge with real-world experience to strengthen organizational systems and overall performance.

A new direction came after funding fell through for a planned childcare center, leading to a move to Tennessee to gain more experience in childcare, education, and leadership. During this time, strong connections were built within the early childhood community while continuing a commitment to serving children and families.

Returning home to Chicago, time was dedicated to helping care for family while continuing work in education and consulting. This period also expanded experience supporting educational programs, businesses, and community organizations.

Droppin' J.E.M.S Is Born

Returned to Nashville.

During the pandemic, began supporting parents struggling to navigate education at home. (Parent Education Program Was Born)

Created online educational content, parent support discussions, and community resource connections.

Started tutoring students whose families wanted continued educational support. (Tutoring Program was Born)

Used Social media platform to interview and connect families to small businesses that they could benefit from whether for services pertaining to school or business. (The Business to Business Program was Born)

Expanding services, Droppin’ J.E.M.S developed Parent Education Programs, Tutoring Services, Small Business Consulting, Business-to-Business Partnerships, and Community Resource Referrals. Each service was created in direct response to real needs identified by families, educators, and business owners.

2021

Droppin' J.E.M.S officially Established as an LLC

Completing the circle, the Provisional Educator Program was launched to expand support for childcare centers by assisting with staffing and classroom coverage. This step furthered the original vision of strengthening the childcare industry while continuing to serve families, students, educators, and businesses.

Today

Today, Droppin’ J.E.M.S continues to grow with purpose, serving children, families, educators, childcare programs, schools, and businesses. The focus remains on building innovative solutions that connect education, community, and opportunity while bridging the gap between families, educators, businesses, and the communities they serve.

A Message From Our Founder

"I thought I was building a childcare center, but God was building an ecosystem.

When I first set out to open a childcare center, I believed my purpose was to impact children within the walls of one program. What I didn't realize was that the journey would reveal a much bigger need.

Over the years, I had the opportunity to work alongside families, educators, childcare providers, schools, and business owners. No matter where I served, I kept seeing the same thing: children thrive when the adults around them have the support, resources, and guidance they need to succeed.

What began as one dream eventually grew into Droppin' J.E.M.S. A company dedicated to strengthening the connections between education, families, businesses, and communities.

Many of our programs were never part of the original plan. They were created because people needed them. Looking back, every challenge, setback, and unexpected turn helped shape the organization we are today.

I am grateful for every family, educator, business owner, and community partner who has been part of this journey. Together, we continue to uncover the treasures within our children, our communities, and ourselves."