February 16, 2021
Rayitos de Sol
Children of working parents can spend up to half of their waking hours in child care. When that child’s first language is something other than English, it can mean missed opportunities to practice and learn their native language – a vital loss of connection to family and culture.
That diminished opportunity was something Juana Rodriguez-Vazquez experienced as child, when her parents immigrated to Maine, and as a parent, with her now school-age children. Her older child went to a family-based bilingual program run by her sister, while her younger child was in an English-only child care program. The difference in their fluency with Spanish was noticeable, even though it was frequently spoken at home.
Juana, who is the Executive Director Mano en Mano/Hand in Hand in Milbridge, knew that her experience was a common one. Juana’s background in education and knowledge of the community’s needs made her the perfect candidate to head Mano en Mano’s new child care initiative.
Though Juana holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Maine at Machias and a General Elementary (K-8) Teacher Certification from the Maine Department of Education, she didn’t have direct experience running a child care program. Fortunately, the launch of CEI’s Child Care Business Lab aligned with Mano en Mano’s plan to start their own offering, named Rayitos de Sol (“Little Sunbeams”).
The Child Care Business Lab also connected Juana with a CEI Women’s Business Center advisor, who helped her develop business plans, financial projections, licensing, marketing and communications. But for Juana, the biggest benefit was the connection to her fellow classmates and others in the industry.
“It was really nice to work with others around the state. Everyone came from various communities, which allowed us to share our diverse and shared challenges,” Juana said, adding that she appreciated that the group continued to connect as they launched their child care offerings.
Juana faced challenges specific to her community, like finding qualified bilingual staff, figuring out how to use the food reimbursement program to provide culturally familiar foods and providing operating hours that aligned with the community’s shift-work schedules. Her Child Care Business Lab business advisor and peers supported and walked her through each of these challenges.
Rayitos de Sol opened in 2021 with 12 slots for toddlers and preschoolers. In 2024 they built a new facility across the street for 80 children, providing care that embraces culture for Spanish-speaking families year-round. Dedicated slots serve migrant families that work various seasonal jobs, including blueberry harvesting, wreath-making and lobster processing.
Learn more about Rayitos de Sol
Join the Child Care Business Lab
Thinking about starting a child care business and wondering how to get started? From writing a business plan, to guidance on delivering high quality child care, to coaching through the licensing process, the Child Care Business Lab provides you with the tools you need to open in your home or in a space located in your town. Learn more at Child Care Business Lab: Explore
