Paula Polito, Ph.D., MBA, has worked in childcare for over 32 years. She is the owner of Beary Cherry Tree Child Development Center in Metairie and has operated the high-quality early care and education center since 1999. Today, Beary Cherry Tree serves over 200 Jefferson Parish families.

In addition to overseeing everyday operations, Paula currently serves as a contract trainer for Teachstone, the maker of the Classroom Assessment Scoring System® (CLASS). Through implementation of the CLASS tool, Paula understands measures of quality in early care and education, and she ensures teacher-child interactions at Beary Cherry Tree meet – and exceed –these standards. Paula is driven by the outcomes and achievements of children at her center. In addition to quantitative success, Paula has received heartfelt stories from Beary Cherry Tree families about their children’s growth and development.

Outside of the classroom, Paula is deeply involved in advocacy efforts at the state and local level. She serves as Advisory Board Chair for the Louisiana Department of Education, advisory board member for Jefferson Ready Start Network, and on the Executive Board, serving as Secretary, for the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. She previously served as Education Chair for the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce.

In March of 2024, Paula was elected to the Republican Parish Executive Committee for District 5. She prioritizes serving the very community that she was born and raised in, a community in which she currently operates her business in and raises her three children. Paula is passionate about supporting the growth of Jefferson Parish and the quality of life for all residents.

Paula received a Doctorate in Philosophy with a concentration in Urban Studies at the

University of New Orleans, where she previously received her Master of Business

Administration. Paula prioritizes respect, kindness, and honesty in all that she does. She and her husband teach these values and the importance of a strong work ethic to their three children. Beyond her ambitious work endeavors, Paula enjoys spending time with family and friends, serving the community, exercising, and advocating on behalf of all children.