Ignite Imagination, Build Futures
Our Founder Zerlander Ragas
Zerlander S. Ragas, AA, BA, MSW, MAT, MA, is the proud founder of Dream Builders Den, LLC, located in Harvey, Louisiana. She is a passionate early childhood educator, leader, and advocate who believes every child deserves a strong foundation, a nurturing environment, and endless opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
With extensive experience in early childhood education, program leadership, and professional development, Zerlander has dedicated her career to supporting children, families, and educators. She earned an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Delgado Community College; a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Social Work from Southern University at New Orleans; and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Xavier University of Louisiana.
Her professional credentials include Director IV, Louisiana Pathways Trainer, National Administrator Credential certification, Infant/Toddler CLASS® Trainer, PD Specialist, and CPR and Medication Administration certification. Her education, leadership experience, and specialized training reflect her commitment to providing high-quality early learning experiences that support the development of the whole child.
Dream Builders Den was born from Zerlander’s lifelong vision of creating a safe, loving, and enriching environment where young children can explore, discover, and develop the skills needed for preschool and beyond. She believes in meeting each child where they are, celebrating what makes them unique, and helping them build confidence, curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
At Dream Builders Den, children receive more than care. They are empowered to dream, discover, and grow, one skill at a time.
Motto
Empowering little minds. Building bright futures.
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
6:30 am - 5:30 pm
Ages
6 weeks to 5 years old
Accepting
Tuition Based and CCAP funding
Our Curriculum
Frog Street
is a comprehensive early childhood curriculum that supports the whole child through engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences. It promotes growth in language, literacy, math, science, social-emotional development, and physical development through hands-on exploration and play.
Founders of Rooted and Ready Social Emotional Curriculum
Emily Bennett, M.Ed.
Zerlander Ragas, MSW, AA, BA, MAT, MA
Emily Bennett is an Early Childhood Education Leader with a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and more than a decade of experience in PK–2 education, instructional coaching, and professional leadership.
She specializes in child development, intentional learning environments, educator development, and family partnerships. Emily is p
Emily Bennett is an Early Childhood Education Leader with a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and more than a decade of experience in PK–2 education, instructional coaching, and professional leadership.
She specializes in child development, intentional learning environments, educator development, and family partnerships. Emily is passionate about creating nurturing, inclusive learning experiences and supporting educators in providing high-quality instruction where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.
Zerlander Ragas, MSW, AA, BA, MAT, MA
Zerlander Ragas, MSW, AA, BA, MAT, MA
Zerlander S. Ragas, is the founder of Dream Builders Den, LLC in Harvey, Louisiana. An experienced early childhood educator and leader, she is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.
With extensive education and professional credentials in early childhood education,
Zerlander S. Ragas, is the founder of Dream Builders Den, LLC in Harvey, Louisiana. An experienced early childhood educator and leader, she is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.
With extensive education and professional credentials in early childhood education, social work, special education, and curriculum and instruction, Zerlander brings a whole-child approach to learning.
At Dream Builders Den, children are empowered to dream, discover, and grow—one skill at a time.
Dayna Jimison, LCSW, QSSW
Dayna Jimison, LCSW, QSSW
Dayna Jamison, is a licensed clinical social worker with experience in healthcare, behavioral health, and school-based settings. She is passionate about supporting children and families through advocacy, emotional wellness, and compassionate care.
With a special interest in early childhood development, Dayna promotes emotional awareness, resilience, healthy relationships, and lifelong well-being.