Rosalía Morales operates her home-based daycare, Little Illusions Daycare, in Albuquerque’s South Valley. Like many educators across the state, Morales relies on the Home-Based Provider Network for support and professional growth. The Network provides home-based educators with a range of resources, including professional development hours, monthly expert-led discussions on key topics, stipends for meeting attendance, and bilingual networking events.
Rosalía’s journey as an educator is marked by dedication and continuous learning. Through the Network, she gains valuable insights into early childhood education best practices, enhancing her skills and methods. “The Network doesn’t just help us survive; it makes us flourish,” Rosalía shares. It serves as both a professional resource and a peer support system, helping home-based providers navigate the unique challenges of home-based care to effectively maximize limited time and resources.
Rosalía, with her 16 years of experience in early childhood education, is passionate about mentoring new staff and colleagues. She emphasizes the importance of continuous education and training, ensuring that home-based care provides the same high-quality, structured learning environment as larger centers with more staff and resources. “We are teachers, not babysitters,” Rosalia explains. “We’re here to shape children’s minds, not just oversee playtime. Every day is a chance for growth and learning,” she continues, reinforcing that the quality of teaching is most important, regardless of the setting.
Rosalía shares her expertise, tips, and practical strategies with her network and staff, focusing on how to maximize limited resources and optimize time management. Her guidance is crucial for home-based providers who juggle multiple roles simultaneously. She takes pride in her staff, many of whom she has personally mentored. “Seeing them grow, start their daycares, and come back to share their knowledge makes me incredibly proud,” she says. For Rosalía, the Network isn’t just a resource; it’s a community cornerstone that enhances the quality and reach of home-based childcare in New Mexico. “Together, we uplift each other, ensuring children build strong foundations for their futures,” she adds.
Learn how the Early Childhood Network can help you grow at https://www.ecnetworks.org/early-childhood-home-based-provider-network/.
