Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Gonzales.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have worked as an educator for over 17 years, and in 2017, I resigned from my position as an Early Childhood Specialist to be a stay at home mom and home-school my daughter. You can say that Sophia, my preschooler was the catalyst that helped me move forward with this venture. I wanted to create a safe environment for her to learn and grow and most importantly be a child. I created an awesome classroom for her, but there was one problem…she was the ONE and ONLY student. And, that is not how the real world works. Children need to be around other children. In preschool, children learn about the world through play. They need opportunities to socialize and need their peers to practice language.
Unfortunately, Sophia and I were finding it difficult to find mom groups and other children for her to interact with, especially other mom’s that are raising bilingual children. I felt that the only way I was going to be able to give my daughter what she needed was to open our very own preschool. I say “our” because this program is as much hers as it is mine. It’s a family business at that! And that is exactly what we did! I used all my knowledge, experience and love of early childhood education and applied to be a licensed child-care home with the state of Texas. The process moved quickly, and before you knew it, I literally opened my home to other children and families who are just as passionate about early childhood and Spanish language learning as we are!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
You know, I was really comfortable settling into my role as a stay at home mom, but God had other plans for me. I have surely been stretched beyond my comfort zone. However, years of experience in education and being in service has given me the skills necessary to be where I am today. It has not been easy, there is a lot of work behind the scenes that take place. I have to make sure I manage all aspects of the operation by meeting the state licensing requirements as outlined in the Texas Minimum Standards and I also have to make sure I create all the lesson plans and activities. The work itself is not easy, nothing worth doing hardly ever is, but the fruit of the labor is very rewarding.
La Escuelita Spanish Immersion Preschool – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
La Escuelita Spanish Immersion Preschool is a home-based state licensed preschool. At La Escuelita, Spanish speaking children are supported in maintaining their native language and cultural traditions, while English speaking children develop a strong foundation for a second language and exposure to a variety of cultural traditions. All children at La Escuelita SIP develop an appreciation and respect for cultural diversity, which helps to integrate and strengthen our community for years to come. At La Escuelita SIP we offer a safe, home environment in which children can learn the Spanish language through songs, stories, and most importantly play! Children in our program are exposed to rich language development through academic thematic units based upon science and social studies standards. Children in our program are singing, dancing, creating art, computing, and constructing all while learning a second language! We are proud to say that La Escuelita SIP is founded on Christian values, and our focus is to promote bilingualism, biliteracy, cross- cultural awareness, and high academic achievement for all of our students.
What sets our preschool apart from others is that we are truly a two-way dual language immersion preschool. We feel that it is very important for children to be able to speak with one another in the Spanish language. Our preschool also accepts Child Care Assistance subsidies. We want to be able to offer an exceptional high-quality education to as many families as possible. All classes are taught by me, a Texas certified teacher with a Master’s Degree in Bilingual Education. What this means to families and their children is that I have a wealth of knowledge on how to apply the best research driven instructional programs and teaching methods to best teach their child. We are also based out of a loving private home that is nestled among 2+ acres. We know that we might not be the right fit for everyone, but having an option such as ours gives families choices as to where they think is the best environment for their child to grow, learn, and thrive in. Having options is always a good thing for families in Dallas! We are pretty special!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment for me so far, has been when I enrolled my first student. I am so thankful to that family that has entrusted me with their most valued possession, their child…
Pricing:
- Regular School Hours9:00-3:00 Monthly Tuition $630
- Extended School Hours 7:30-6:00 Monthly Tuition $735
- Part Time Home School Co-Op 9:00-3:00 T/TH or M/W $270
- Extended Hours Home School Co-Op 7:30-6:00 T/TH or M/W $380
Contact Info:
- Address: La Escuelita Spanish Immersion Preschool
3619 Blue Ridge Blvd.
Dallas, Texas 75233 - Website: www.laescuelitaspanish.org
- Phone: 214-339-3776
- Email: info@laescuelitaspanish.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laescuelitaspanish/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laescuelitaspanish/?ref=py_c
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
