PINELLAS PARK, Fla. — It’s never too late to be what you can become.

This week’s A+ Teacher Donna Hallam proves that dreams are always within reach.

Hallam started her career as a public school teacher and transitioned into leadership roles at colleges and vocational centers.

But her passion for the youngest ones led her back to her roots.

Now, as she prepares to turn 70 this year, she operates the Brilliant Little Minds Early Childhood Learning Center in Pinellas Park.

She specializes in hands-on learning, keeping things creative for her toddlers.

"Lots of hands-on, children need the hands-on, when we read, it's not just sitting there reading the book, but it's actually acting out the book,” Hallam said. “They're children, so they can't sit for hours just sitting at a table doing nothing, they have to be moving around and the school is designed that way.”

She’s the owner and operator of the daycare and learning center.

'"It's easy with the children,” Hallam said. “I think a heart knows a heart. A heart feels a heart. Children know when you love them."

Hallam, who holds a master’s degree in special education, spent her career teaching and mentoring students.  

Now, she’s brought that guidance to early childhood education. And she never let her age hold her back on pursuing her dream of working with toddlers.

"I decided, you know what, I'm not that old to do what I always wanted to do,” she said. “And that's what I did.

“I bought this school seven years ago and love it.”