Finding Our Village: One Family’s Journey to Balanced Childcare

When Miguel and Sofia welcomed their daughter Amara into the world, they knew life would never be the same. What they didn’t anticipate was how difficult it would be to find childcare that truly aligned with their values when the time came.

By the time Amara was 20 months old, Sofia’s routine health appointments—while not urgent—were increasing. They realized they needed consistent, trustworthy care for Amara, but nothing felt quite right.

“I remember sitting at the kitchen table after Amara went to bed, just feeling overwhelmed,” Sofia shares. “We had information from different care providers spread out in front of us, but none of them felt quite right. The options were overwhelming, and it just didn’t feel like anything truly matched what we were looking for. It felt like no matter which direction we went, we’d be giving up more time with our child than we were comfortable with—just to secure a spot and have reliable care.”

Miguel agrees. “We weren’t ready for full-time daycare, but we needed help. Sofia’s health mattered, and we were trying to juggle everyone’s needs.”

Searching for Something More

They explored every option—family help (too far), friends (too busy), babysitters (inconsistent or impersonal). “We wanted something that felt like family,” Miguel explains, “but with the structure and reliability of a professional setup.”

As they searched, guilt crept in. “I kept wondering if I was being selfish,” Sofia admits. “Should I just push through and skip appointments? It was emotionally exhausting.”

They continued asking around, hoping to find something—anything—that bridged the gap between care and connection.

Discovering The Care Village

Then, through a local parenting group, they heard about a community-based childcare program described as warm, reliable, professional, and flexible.

“We were skeptical,” Miguel says. “But we were also open to discovering something new—so we checked it out.”

What they found exceeded every expectation. The space offered a thoughtful balance of indoor comfort and outdoor exploration, with a strong emphasis on nature and play—something for everyone. Their child lit up with excitement, eager to explore it all. On their first visit, one of the founders invited them to sit and simply talk—about Amara, their family rhythms, Sofia’s appointments, and Miguel’s work schedule.

“It felt so different,” Sofia recalls. “She wasn’t just trying to ‘fit’ Amara into a slot. She wanted to understand our whole family.”

A Philosophy of Abundance

The community was rooted in what they called an abundance mindset—the belief that while we all want our children to be cared for, each of us brings different resources, skills, energy, and time to the table. By creating space for people to contribute in ways that align with their capacity, care becomes something we offer from our collective overflow—a shared response to the essential need of caring for our children.

“It wasn’t just childcare,” Miguel says. “It was about supporting families holistically.”

The staff were skilled caregivers, focused on forming genuine relationships. They offered flexible scheduling, maintained low ratios, and encouraged parent involvement without pressuring it.

“They believed that when parents and team members are supported, kids thrive,” Sofia says. “And when kids thrive, the community grows stronger. That perspective changed everything for us.”

Easing the Transition

Still, the transition wasn’t easy. Amara had never been cared for outside the family, and separation anxiety was a concern. But the community met them with patience and intention.

“We didn’t just drop her off and leave,” Miguel says. “They let us ease into it slowly, following Amara’s cues.”

One day, Sofia arrived to find a caregiver showing Amara a little book they had made together—with pictures of their family and friends. “They honored her emotional world,” she says. “That made all the difference.”

Meeting the Whole Family’s Needs

The community was thoughtful about the unique rhythms of each family, including Miguel and Sofia’s very different work schedules and communication preferences. Without needing to spell it out, the caregivers found ways to keep both parents informed and involved—offering detailed updates for Sofia, while giving Miguel the big-picture insights he appreciated.

There were also opportunities to engage with the community in ways that fit their individual capacities, helping both parents feel connected and included, even with their busy lives.

As Amara continued to grow, she flourished—building relationships, developing confidence, and enjoying the freedom to explore. With reliable care in place, Sofia was finally able to focus on her wellness without added stress, knowing her daughter was in good hands.

Embracing the Next Stage

Around Amara’s third birthday, her interest in letters and numbers blossomed. They wondered if it was time to consider a more structured learning environment—but didn’t want to lose the community they had found.

To their relief, their concerns were understood completely. “She actually suggested an early learner program and reassured us that many families continue with the community for wraparound support,” Sofia shares.

“She calls one ‘school’ and the other ‘camp,’” Miguel says with a smile. “She genuinely loves both.”

These days, Amara attends a preschool program but still looks forward to spending full days at the care community whenever the opportunity comes up.

A Community That Grows With You

Two years after that first overwhelmed night at the kitchen table, Miguel and Sofia feel like they’ve found more than a childcare solution—they’ve found a lasting community.

“We’ve learned it doesn’t have to be either/or,” Sofia reflects. “It can be warm and professional. Flexible and reliable. Child-centered and family-supportive.”

Miguel nods. “They showed us that there are models out there that truly understand the complexities of family life—and meet you where you are.”

The peace of mind they’ve found is priceless—and the relationships they've built, lasting.

As Sofia puts it, “We didn’t just find care for Amara. We found our village.”