Impact Story: From Searching for Child Care to Creating Community

See how one mother became a pillar of impact in her community, and collaborated with ABCD along the way.

Laura always knew she wanted to be a teacher. Early in her career, she worked at an educational institution for adults who hadn’t had the opportunity to attend school in their younger years. She felt passionate about helping people who hadn’t been afforded educational opportunities. 

Laura’s two children were born ten months apart. It was a challenging time – Laura worked full-time and struggled to find affordable and consistent childcare that she could trust. Finally, Laura found a local HeadStart, and she began to volunteer her time in her children’s HeadStart classroom. The early childhood educators at Headstart encouraged Laura to take a course on Early Childhood Development. Laura took the course and, after receiving certification, was hired at a local Preschool. A dream began to form: starting her own childcare business to help families like hers who struggled to find affordable childcare. 

Laura teaching at a workshop.

Today, Laura is licensed as a family child care home provider and has been running a childcare business out of her home for six years. Families refer families to Laura. She is always at capacity. 

One day, a friend suggested that Laura attend a workshop with ABCD: Familias Creciendo Juntas (Families Growing Together). Familias Creciendo Juntas is a series of three workshops designed for parents and community childcare providers like Laura to learn more about early child development. ABCD collaborated with community leaders in a co-design process to determine the content and format of the workshops. 

Laura liked the workshop. It provided the opportunity to support other women in her community by answering their questions during group discussions. We at ABCD noticed and asked Laura if she wanted to help teach the next workshop series. 

"At first, I thought I couldn’t do it, but it is beautiful helping others." - Laura

A couple of students interacting with the CDC Learn the Signs Act Early Book at Laura's house.

“At first, I thought I couldn’t do it, but it is beautiful helping others. I had to go on my road alone.  So when others want to learn, I’m there for them and I tell them, ‘it’s more than caring for kids–it’s helping them feel loved and appreciated. You are forming a person. The adults of tomorrow.’ It’s a big responsibility and a privilege to be able to help.” - Laura 

One of the topics covered in the workshops is identifying children who might have a developmental delay or disability, a topic many parents don’t have information on. One mother in Laura’s workshop has a child with autism. Before the workshop, she used to lead with telling friends and family that her child has autism. However, in the workshop, she realized that she should describe her child for who he is, not for his condition. 

Word is getting out. Several other nonprofits, including Cultivando, Cultura de Bienestar, Una Mano Una Esperanza, and Cuenta Conmigo, have contacted Laura to give workshops in her home on topics like Nutrition and Preventing Childhood Sexual Abuse. Laura now hosts events regularly in her home, and she also hosted a Christmas party with another child caregiver. 

Laura with one of the groups of FFN and licensed caregivers who attended a training at her house.

“The people in my community are ready to learn. It’s all worth it. We’ve had waitlists at all of the workshops recently.” - Laura