Our Story

In August 2021, a dream came to life in the heart of Devils Lake, North Dakota. Joyful Beginnings opened its doors within the welcoming embrace of a local church. With room for just 30 children, we embarked on a journey to provide the children of our community with a nurturing and educational haven.

As we quickly grew and our passion for childcare and early education flourished, we recognized the need for more space to accommodate the eager young minds seeking inspiration within our walls. In the spirit of growth and dedication to our mission, we made an exciting transition. In August 2022, we acquired our very own purpose-built building, a space designed with love and care to foster the growth and development of children.

Today, Joyful Beginnings proudly stands as a vibrant and welcoming space, offering spots for up to 72 children from Devils Lake and the surrounding areas. Our journey is one of expansion, evolution, and unwavering commitment to providing children with the very best start to their educational journey. We look forward to many more years of nurturing and empowering the young minds that grace our doors, helping them thrive and flourish as they prepare for a bright future. Thank you for being a part of our story and entrusting us with the care and education of your little ones.

Meet the Administration

Director & Owner

Margy Prozinski

Hello! My name is Margy Prozinski and I am the owner and director of Joyful Beginnings. I attended UND for Elementary Education & Early Childhood Education. I live in Devils Lake with my husband Blake and our twin daughters. I am a huge hockey fan, I love traveling, and I enjoy trying new foods!

What inspired you to start Joyful Beginnings?
After I married my husband and we decided that we would plant our roots and start a family here, I noticed that there was a huge lack of high-quality childcare in the area. Not only that, but as two full time working parents, there were little to no options for full time preschool. I saw a need in the community and already had a passion for young children so decided that it was a great opportunity to explore opening my own facility. I am so glad that my children and other children in our community get to experience the loving, caring, and educational facility that I dreamed of creating.

What does your typical workday consist of?
A typical workday for administration at Joyful Beginnings never looks the same. One day could consist of meal planning, event planning, reviewing expense and budget reports, updating staff and child files, enrollment questions, tours for prospective families, supporting implementation of curriculum, human resources and of course, hugs to all.

What is the most rewarding part of your career?
The most rewarding part of my career is hearing that our goal and mission at Joyful Beginnings is being fulfilled. A happy family expressing their appreciation for their teachers, a teacher saying that they genuinely love what they do or an excited child running to their parent telling them all about what they learned that day.

Assistant Director

Jaden Thorp

Hi! I'm Jaden Thorp, the assistant director here at Joyful Beginnings. I was born and raised in Devils Lake and live on a ranch outside of town with my husband and two daughters. My journey with Joyful Beginnings started in September of 2021 when I began as an infant teacher. I slowly worked my way up and love my position as the assistant director. My favorite part is supporting our staff and loving on all the kids. I am currently working on completing my Aim4Excellence Director credential and am looking forward to continuing my education in the early childhood education field. I look forward to meeting and building a relationship with your family.

Facility Manager

Blake Prozinski

Hi! I'm Blake Prozinski and I am the facility manager here at Joyful Beginnings. I attended UND and majored in Unmanned Aircraft System Operations. While I continue to be employed in aviation with Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Grand Forks, I remain the fix-it guy part time for Joyful Beginnings. Anything that needs to be repaired, replaced or hauled in or out is what my job consists of. I also help out with web design, technology, and photography.