The Pillars: Independence – Preschool in McKinney, TX

Meet The School Director

Mrs. Jessica McKinley

School Director

Experience: 23 Years

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Early Childhood Education 

Credentials: Child Development Associate Credential (CDA), State Director’s Credential/License, CPR/First Aid Certified 
 
Specialized Frameworks: Conscious Discipline

The Pillars – Independence 
Director-Independence@ThePillars.com 

Mrs. Jessica brings a unique educational background to The Pillars Independence, combining a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Early Childhood Education, a Child Development Associate Credential, a State Director’s Credential/License, and CPR/First Aid certification. She began working in Early Childhood Education in 2003 and brings a thoughtful, family-focused perspective to school leadership. 

After joining the organization in November 2024, Mrs. Jessica began supporting infant, toddler, preschool, Pre-K, before and after school, and summer/holiday programs. Her experience with Conscious Discipline helps guide a calm, supportive environment where children can build confidence, relationships, and emotional skills. 

A lifelong Texan and proud mother of three, Mrs. Jessica enjoys DIY projects, hiking, and cooking when she is away from school. Her leadership mission is simple and meaningful: to make a difference in the world through children while partnering with families to support each child’s development, confidence, and future success. 

The Pillars: Independence Reviews

Jessica Dagher

June 15, 2026

We were so thankful to find The Pillars when we moved to Texas. It is reasonably priced for its tier of school. It is Christian-based and also excellent academically. It is always clean and tidy and has had relatively few sickness spreaders compared to our prior experience. We have loved all the staff. Ms. Shasa has also done an amazing job helping our oldest with potty training! It is a newer location (

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Caitlin Costlow

April 28, 2026

Our family has been with the Pillars since they opened their doors and we love the warm, nurturing, secure and educational environment the Pillars and their teachers create. The director is welcoming, happily answered all of our questions and made us feel very comfortable choosing the Pillars. Learning updates throughout the day are detailed and help support at home conversations about the learning happening during the day to foster a home-school connection. We have been very impressed with the wide variety of age-appropriate skills acquired (academics, social skills, gross and fine motor) as well as developing sweet little friendships. I understand the huge responsibility of educating someone's child in a positive and loving learning environment while making sure kids feel safe and the teachers we have had are doing just that with grace! They are amazing at what they do!

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Kellie Carvalho

April 13, 2026

We moved to the area from out of state and had to find childcare for our 17 month old daughter who has never been in childcare before. This place has been a blessing to our daughter and our family. It’s been a huge adjustment sending her every day, but the teachers and the administrative staff make it a little bit easier and keep us at ease while she’s there. Truly so grateful for everyone here that is caring for our daughter. Our daughter is so attached to her teacher, and it really makes us feel confident knowing that she trusts her despite all the change and being in a new environment.

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MELISSA EHLERT

March 31, 2026

The Pillars has been wonderful for my son. He just started in August of 2025 and is still attending. The teachers are great, the front office staff are great, other staff are great as well. I love seeing the activities the kids are doing, the pictures they post in the app, and my son seems to really like the food as well. We are very happy with the Pillars and our son's happiness!

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Mia M

October 23, 2025

We absolutely love this preschool! It’s clear from the moment you walk in that it’s an incredibly well-run and caring environment. The school director, Mrs. Jessica does an outstanding job keeping everything organized, welcoming, and running smoothly. You can tell she truly cares about the children and the families who attend. The teachers are amazing — We had the pleasure of having Mrs. Emily, Mrs. Sudah, annd Mrs.Emma. All are so warm, patient, and dedicated to the kids. Our girl absolutely loves them! The new Director of Education, Mrs. Ranjana, has also been a wonderful addition — she brings such great energy and creativity to the program. Another thing we really love is the app the school uses — it keeps us updated throughout the day with pictures and notes about what’s going on in our child’s classroom. You can also communicate with the teachers/director through it. The facility itself is always clean, bright, and cheerful. All the kids seem genuinely happy and excited to be there every day. Every teacher and staff member I’ve interacted with has been friendly, professional, and caring. It’s such a great feeling knowing our child is in such capable and loving hands. We couldn’t be happier with our experience and highly recommend this preschool to anyone looking for a safe, nurturing, and high-quality daycare for their kiddos!

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