For Sonia Herrera, childcare has never been merely a job, but a true vocation born of a love for family and community. From a young age, she felt a deep passion for working with children and supporting other families. However, it was in 2013—following the birth of her fourth daughter—that she decided to turn that dream into reality and establish her own childcare center.

As a mother herself, Sonia understood the importance of providing a safe, nurturing, and trustworthy environment for children. Driven by a desire to personally care for her own daughters while offering that same sense of “home” to other families, she made the decision to found a childcare business—one that not only provides care and supervision for little ones but also strengthens families and preserves cultural values ​​for future generations.

What began as a family dream soon blossomed into a warm, educational space where children can grow, learn, and feel loved. Through dedication and effort, Sonia has built a business that strengthens the community and fosters a safe, loving, and enriching environment for every child in her care.

Like any small business owner, Sonia has faced significant challenges. Balancing the administrative demands of running a business while providing personalized care to each child has required commitment, organization, and perseverance. She has also had to navigate regulations, maintain high-quality standards, and respond to unexpected situations. Yet, each challenge has served as an opportunity for her to grow, both personally and professionally.

With the goal of expanding her childcare center, Sonia sought support from the El Pájaro Community Development Corporation. Through our Childcare Cohort Program, she received assistance to strengthen her business plan, financial projections, and licensing compliance—enabling her to expand her capacity to care for up to 14 children. This support, combined with her own perseverance, has allowed her business to continue growing in a robust and professional manner.

Today, Sonia continues to carry out her work with the very same passion that inspired her from the very beginning. Among her primary objectives are improving the quality of her services, incorporating more educational and cultural activities, strengthening communication with families, and continuing her professional development to ensure the best possible care.