Jennie Fuller
Jennie Fuller is the founder of Early Explorations and Early Explorations Too. Her own 3 children (Lauren, Zach, and Chloe) are the primary reason Jennie decided to open Early Explorations in 1996. Her journey began when searching for childcare for her own children as she transitioned back into the working community. Her desire to find the best care for her own children quickly developed into a quest to open her own childcare center where both an educational platform and a nurturing environment would be provided for the children of the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon communities, as well as peace of mind for parents like herself. After 30 years, Jennie had decided to move into retirement and pass the reigns to her son and daughter-in-law, Zachary and Morgan Ufert while she enjoys her time residing in Carefree, AZ.
Morgan & Zachary Ufert
As of January 2026, Morgan and Zachary Ufert have proudly taken over ownership of Early Explorations and Early Explorations Too Childcare Centers, continuing the legacy established by their mother/mother in-law, Jennie Fuller. Both Morgan and Zachary have lived in the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon community their entire lives and are passionate about serving the families in the area they call home.
Morgan Ufert brings over a decade of hands-on experience working with children in both educational and caregiving settings. She taught Martial Arts in Edwardsville for 15 years, where she cultivated her leadership skills and love for teaching. Morgan earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from National Louis University in 2020.
Morgan’s journey with Early Explorations began in the classroom, where she served as an Infant Teacher at Early Explorations Too and later as a Junior Kindergarten Teacher at Early Explorations. In 2021, she accepted the position of Director at Early Explorations, where she has led with compassion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to early childhood development.
Zachary Ufert complements Morgan’s educational leadership with a strong background in finance and business operations. As a dedicated student-athlete throughout his youth, Zachary participated in baseball, wrestling, and football during his middle and high school years. He earned his Master’s degree in Accounting from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2021 and currently works with West & Company Accounting Firm in Edwardsville. In addition to his professional accounting career, Zachary manages the financial operations of Early Explorations and Early Explorations Too, ensuring long-term stability and growth.
Together, Morgan and Zachary are honored to carry forward their mother’s mission of providing high-quality early childhood education in a nurturing, community-centered environment. They are committed to upholding the values and standards that families have come to trust, while also bringing fresh energy and vision to the future of both centers.
