Profiles: Maria at Little Explorers Learning Center in MA
🌟Our Childcare Profiles series spotlights owners, operators, and directors across the country to hear their real stories—the messy middle parts that don't make it to Instagram. How they got started. What's actually working. The mistakes that cost them sleep. The small wins that keep them going. Interested in a profile spotlight? Submit your profile here🌟
Name: Maria
Location: Boston, MA
Size of Center: 85 kids
Why and how did you get into childcare?
I spent a decade teaching third grade and loved it, but I kept seeing kids arrive in my classroom without the foundational skills they needed—not academically, but socially and emotionally. I became fascinated with early childhood development and started volunteering at my daughter's preschool.
I realized there was both a need and an opportunity. I took out an SBA loan, found a church willing to lease me space, and opened with just 15 kids in 2017. It was terrifying, but I knew I could create something better—a place that paid teachers well, supported families authentically, and still ran profitably
What is your technology stack?
Brightwheel
QuickBooks Online
Procare Software
Canva
Mailchimp
Gusto
Google Workspace
Tadpoles
Teaching Strategies GOLD
What is a recent idea, strategy, or tactic that helped your business?
Three months ago, I implemented ‘Family Dinner Nights’ once a month where enrolled families can bring siblings and have a simple pasta dinner at the center from 5-6:30 PM.
It started because I noticed our families were so disconnected from each other—they’d drop off and pick up but never build community. The first dinner, only 8 families showed up. But word spread. Last month we had 47 people.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a childcare center?
Shadow first, then decide. Spend at least two weeks working in a center before you commit to this path—either as a teacher or volunteer. The Instagram version of childcare is beautiful moments and finger painting. The reality is bodily fluids, difficult parents, regulatory paperwork, and sometimes heartbreaking situations with struggling families.
What’s your biggest operational challenge right now?
Staffing stability. I pay 20% above market rate and offer health insurance, but I still lose teachers to elementary schools or corporate jobs. I’m experimenting with a teacher housing stipend program and exploring partnerships with local colleges for student teachers who might stay on.
What surprised you most about running a childcare business?
How much of my job is social work. I thought I’d be focused on curriculum and child development. Instead, I’m helping families navigate housing insecurity, connecting parents to food assistance, translating documents, even helping a family flee domestic violence. The business supports families holistically, not just their kids from 7 AM to 6 PM.
If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before opening, what would it be?
Charge 15% more from the start. I underpriced because I felt guilty, and it took three years to course-correct without losing families. You can’t serve families well if you’re broke. Price for sustainability.
🌟Our Childcare Profiles series spotlights owners, operators, and directors across the country to hear their real stories—the messy middle parts that don’t make it to Instagram. How they got started. What’s actually working. The mistakes that cost them sleep. The small wins that keep them going. Interested in a profile spotlight? Submit your profile here🌟