Lavanya Kokati Lives Her Dream of Working with Children with Best in Class Education Center

Born and raised in India, Lavanya Kokati received her post-graduate degree from the University of Mysore in Mysore, Karnataka in 2004. While at school, she studied statistics, math, economics; and early childhood education. She always knew she’d find a way to work with children.

After graduation, she left India to live with her husband in the United States. The couple now lives in Mountain House, California with their two young children, one in third grade and one in sixth.

Lavanya sought out a variety of work experiences as she explored what she wanted to do in her career. She was a cashier for a while, then promoted to management, then worked as a receptionist in a dental clinic. However, she never stopped thinking about how she could achieve her goal of working with children. “It’s a lot of fun to watch them grow,” she said. “And when you see them succeed, it just feels great.”

Lavanya considered opening a daycare but worried the time commitment would be greater than she was looking for. She was then drawn once again toward education, volunteering at her kids’ school up to three or four hours a week. She helped the teachers with grading papers, creating art programs, and anything else they needed.

As her interest in supplemental education increased, she began taking her two children to after-school programs. “They’ve gone everywhere,” laughed Lavanya. She felt Best in Class provided the most comprehensive materials for students of any level, and soon she started thinking about what it would be like to open her own center.

“The programs can be tailored to the children’s individual needs. We are able to provide the appropriate materials for wherever the children are in their learning,” said Lavanya. “Let’s say a child is in first or second grade, but they are advanced and need a higher level of materials in a certain subject. I have the flexibility to give them what they actually need. And especially as a parent, I always look for that.”

It also helped that Lavanya had the inside scoop on owning a Best in Class before taking the leap into franchising herself. Her friends currently own a center in the neighboring Union City. Lavanya helped them out whenever they were out of town or needed an extra hand, and she knew their support would be an invaluable resource if she opened her own location.

Even before Lavanya’s Best in Class was open for business, parents eagerly inquired when they could begin enrolling their children. The word must have gotten out. “We didn’t want to keep them waiting. We want to tell them that we are always open,” said Lavanya.

Lavanya officially opened the doors of her Best in Class Education Center on January 26th in Tracy, California. The Best in Class VP of Franchise Development & Recruitment, Sharon Peterson, was thrilled to welcome her to the franchise. “Lavanya’s commitment to helping children live to their full potentials makes her a wonderful addition to the company,” said Peterson. “She offers a fresh perspective, and the center in Tracy is already off to a wonderful start!”