Helping with early childhood learning is a passion for many people across Washington State, but it can sometimes be difficult to learn all the tools or even get the correct licenses to run a business. Marycruz Contreras says Imagine helped her get through these roadblocks to realize her dream of running her own child care business.
MEET MARYCRUZ
Marycruz has been working in child care and early childhood learning for nearly three decades. In 2010, she started her journey to become a provider, working in the child care industry and attended classes at Highline Community College before finding the Imagine Institute.
“I went to college for a year and a half to learn business and how to run my business, but Imagine opened doors for me in an easier way,” says Marycruz. “In business class, I got the info and Imagine helped me get started.”
Marycruz is a child care provider in SeaTac, WA
FINDING HELP WITH THE IMAGINE INSITUTE
One of Marycruz’s biggest challenges she faced was finding classes for Spanish speakers like herself. She says she didn’t get enough information to learn how to start her own business. Then, two years ago, she heard about Imagine in one of her study groups, and decided to give it a try.
“Imagine explained to me the steps needed to become a provider in an easier way: finding an apartment, finding a space, and how they can help,” Marycruz said.
Marycruz enrolled in Imagine U and graduated this past June. She got licensed and became an official child care provider in August 2024 with the help of Imagine. She is now working in SeaTac, Washington, an area she says that needs more child care providers, especially those who speak Spanish.
“Imagine is working for all counties and areas across the state,” says Marycruz. “ I had 35 students in my group that spoke Spanish, only two were from the Seattle area, including me, and the rest were from all over the state.”
Marycruz’s child care in SeaTac
REALIZING HER DREAM OF BECOMING A PROVIDER
Marycruz says Imagine is an important tool for anyone thinking about becoming a child care provider because they offer so much help, in many different languages.
“I am still able to reach out to Imagine anytime for help, resources for the community, and to get help from the mentors,” says Marycruz.
Right now, Marycruz is working with four kids at her child care business, but she hopes to expand. By December, she hopes to be able to open up her business to up to 12 kids, to meet the needs of her community.
“My goal is to continue to work with Imagine and take other classes with Imagine because it’s so easy. I recommend everyone in my provider community to use Imagine if they can,” Marycruz said.
She is very thankful to the Imagine Institute for the help they give her and for the opportunities they can provide others.
“This was a dream. I like to help people and I like telling people about Imagine– to help my community.”