Mom opens daycare to combat childcare crisis in California

In light of the ongoing childcare crisis affecting California, Maribel Aguilar founded Apolo Daycare and Preschool in East Palo Alto. Originally from Mexico, Aguilar moved to the Bay Area two years ago with the desire to assist fellow parents struggling to find quality childcare. Her initiative has become a community-focused program that offers Spanish language immersion for toddlers and preschoolers, catering to children aged one to five years. Aguilar is passionate about providing a well-rounded curriculum that includes sensorial activities critical for early development. Personal experiences dealing with insufficient childcare resources motivated Aguilar to create a more favorable environment for other working mothers, especially those navigating the challenges of balancing work and family responsibilities. To fulfill her goal, Aguilar undertook a ten-course program and received a grant, equipping her with necessary skills in accounting, marketing, and operational management to effectively run a daycare. Her experiences highlight a larger systemic issue concerning accessible childcare in the Bay Area and underscore her commitment to supporting the community she now calls home. Aguilar dreams of expanding her daycare program to accommodate more children, providing lasting support to families in need.