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NORTH ATTLEBORO - Anne David has gone from the brimming land of tea and cinnamon to a farm house of Rhymes & Fables. And what a journey it has been.

David, 40, has an educational background and work experience from Sri Lanka, India, Britain and the United States.

She has just received state certification, and soon will open her life's dream - her own pre-school called Rhymes & Fables at 729 Allen Ave.

"I strongly feel a good, rounded education can open doors anywhere in the world," she said.

Growing up in Sri Lanka, her father, an entrepreneur, instilled in all his children the endless possibilities out in the world. In her early 20s, she met and married her husband, David Ignatius, a British-trained physician who wanted to better his medical training in the United States. Ignatius received his fellowship from the Boston University Medical Center and Anne got her master's degree in early childhood education at Lesley University. They have twins, Anneka and Aidan, who attend second grade at St. Mary Sacred Heart School in North Attleboro.

SUN Chronicle: Tell me about the dreams your father had for you.

ANNE DAVID: He was an avid fan of all the big business ventures happening in the United States, and would habitually cut out articles about people who successfully realized their dreams. When referring to the United States, he would always quote the wonderful adage, 'the land of milk and honey.'

I remember when I got my first teaching job at the prestigious Old South Church Preschool at Copley Square in Boston, my parents were so elated. I remember sending all the wonderful 'thank you' notes from appreciative parents to my dad. He was a very proud father, indeed.

We have been proud citizens of the United States for over a decade. I am glad my dad got to know this before his demise.

SC: Now, tell me about this school dream of yours and how you've prepared.

DAVID: To make life easy for everyone in the family, we have bought a modest farm house colonial in North Attleboro. This way, when the children and husband are at school and work, respectively, I get to run my nursery school house.

The whole first floor is established to run an effective nursery school combining academics and the performing arts. After a brief hiatus to bring up my twins, I worked in the Plainville area, teaching pre-kindergarten children for a number of years. During this period I also kept up with course work to earn my credentials as a director in the early learning sector.

SC: Why did you give your school the name Rhymes & Fables?

DAVID: The childhood years of one's life are the most imaginative period. Literature provides endless possibilities for this imagination to blossom further. More so, we can all relate to how the best of literature can provide us with a sense of escapism and magic. Hence, the word 'Fables.' The word 'Rhymes' comes from all the nursery rhymes and poetry that have the ability to enhance word and vocabulary building during one's childhood years. I chose two words that evoke one's childhood.

SC: What or who gave you the idea of starting a new pre-school?

DAVID: I have always been an independent thinker. I truly enjoy meeting people and getting to know them. To me, teaching provides the best of both worlds: interacting with youngsters that keep me feeling young at heart and interacting with parents that give me the social stimuli.

During my teaching years at various institutions, I used to constantly think of ways that could better the experiences of parents and children, alike. During these formative years, I had an ultimate vision of establishing an intimate atmosphere where I could bear fruition to all my ideas.

SC: What is your education philosophy?

DAVID: I feel strongly that an intimate atmosphere where parents and children can feel relaxed is the best environment for the early learning years - an environment where a teacher or director can have a positive and constructive discussion with a parent without feeling rushed that someone else is waiting in line for their turn to have a conversation, too.

I want to provide an atmosphere where an individual child feels extremely at ease so that he/she can have optimum learning. A small social environment where children feel comfortable to interact with one another without feeling overwhelmed. Most often a child feels challenged by a large peer setting, and, needless to say, the overall learning gets lost.

Beyond this, my overall philosophy is to combine academics with performing arts criteria, such as dancing, singing, acting, music, arts and crafts so that children find the experience of learning a joy.

I have always provided children under my care endless opportunities to dramatize good literature and invited parents over to watch the performances. Children always feel a sense of accomplishment and pride when parents participate in their school environment.

SC: Do you feel that pre-schools in existence in North Attleboro don't educate enough? In some way, do you feel you are stepping on any educators' toes by doing this?

DAVID: I feel that there are a variety of quality pre-school programs available in the area. I truly believe I will be adding to the atmosphere. I am bringing my individual philosophy that some parents will find attractive and suitable for their child.

I am of the opinion that the growth of educational enterprises in town should be looked upon as a positive influence. After all, a good education is the passport to a child's success. The differing nursery school environments will enable parents to have a choice, and select the best early learning environment for their child.

SC: How hard was it to get a permit from the state?

DAVID: Recently, the Department of Early Education and Care has brought the two licensing bodies - family and group care - under one umbrella. Having explored both possibilities, I chose to go under the family licensing board, as this caters to a small capacity setting.

The family licensing board has its clear and strict guidelines to make sure the facility licensed has the resources and capabilities to run an effective program. In this licensing process, it is the state that gets fully involved, making sure that the licensee is familiar with the emergency procedures and infrastructure of the town.

My personal experience during these past months has been a gratifying one. After many months of preparation, making sure every little detail is taken care of, I received my license to open my very own nursery school. It was the most exhilarating and liberating feeling I have experienced.

SC: What are the requirements to do this? I mean, I don't think just anyone can start a school, right?

DAVID: The state has its own requirements to license a program. However, it is imperative that a parent inquires about the program and the staff before making any decision. A parent should find out the credentials of the director and understand the philosophy of the program.

Further, inquiring about the qualifications of the teacher who will be directly in charge of the child and inquiring about the curriculum, the conference and evaluation process, the routine and activities are of outmost importance when visiting a program. In my program. I will always exhibit my curriculum and any other pertinent information to parents, so that the parents feel comfortable with the program flow.

SC: When do you plan to start?

DAVID: I am ready to go. Hopefully, by advertising and word of mouth, I can get the enrollment process moving. My biggest asset will be the parents in the neighboring communities who are already familiar with my teaching style and proficiency.

I am looking forward to teaching and contributing to the community. My capacity is for six children and I plan to continue with this small capacity.

I am running a full-day program (9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), and my rates are reasonable ($25 for the full day). Hopefully, parents who visit my program will realize how ready I am to embark on this venture. I am appreciative of all the people who have inspired me and helped me to realize my dream.

All those years of dreaming having finally become a reality. I am truly thankful.

DO YOU HAVE A SUBJECT for this feature? Contact Jamie Merolla at 508-236-0431 or at jmerolla@thesunchronicle.com.