Quintero Childcare Provider

Lupita Quintero runs a small business from her home as a licensed Small Family Childcare Provider. Though some people might think that daycare is only about babysitting children, Ms. Quintero thinks it is much more; “I make sure that the children have proper supervision, individualized care, and I am responsive to their emotional and developmental needs,” she says, “this enables the children to learn and grow at their own pace.”

Ms. Quintero opened her Small Family Care business in Spring of 2007. She first thought of this undertaking when she was caring of her family and studying full-time at Cabrillo College. “I wanted a business where I could apply what I was learning at school,” Ms. Quintero pointed out, “I believe I have passion to work with children, serve the community, and work with families.”

Ms. Quintero moved to Watsonville in 2001 with her husband and two sons. Her first years in Watsonville entailed caring for her young family. Then she decided to attend school and open her business, which she says changed her life: “I have gained self-confidence and as a consequence I know how to handle many different situations. I have gained personal and financial skills.”

After Ms. Quintero decided to open her own business she realized that she needed help in understanding how to conduct her business correctly and professionally. She saw a flyer for the El Pájaro CDC’s business assistance at the Watsonville library and signed up for business training workshops. “The El Pájaro CDC workshops and consultants have provided useful information to me to help open my thinking about the childcare business,” Ms. Quintero said, “I have made my business professional and kept up to date on business topics like IRS updates and legal regulations.” In the future Ms. Quintero looks forward to expanding her business to become a Childcare Center. “It will require a lot of effort,” she said, “but I am very sure that the El Pájaro CDC will be there to support me.”