Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariela Garcia.
Hi Mariela, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey to opening a preschool started with a simple desire, I knew I wanted to work with children. I began as a 2nd grade teacher here in Polk County, FL, but I quickly realized my heart was drawn to working with younger children. That led me into the field of early childhood education.
I started working at a wonderful center in Sebring, FL as a three-year-old teacher. When I became pregnant with my first child, I took a 10-week maternity leave and returned to a different center, also owned by the same director. There, I had the unique opportunity to be the infant teacher in the same classroom as my child, and later I moved into a VPK teaching role.
As I grew in my career, I earned my Director’s Credential and began working at another center. Unfortunately, that experience didn’t align with my values. It made me think—if I can run a center for someone else, why not do it myself? That thought sparked the beginning of a new journey.
I started searching for a building and eventually found my current location. At the time, I was unemployed, DoorDashing with my then two-year-old in the backseat just to make ends meet while going through the licensing and startup process. It wasn’t easy.
As a child of immigrants who started kindergarten not knowing any English, I knew I wanted to create a space that felt inclusive, especially for children like me. That’s why I built a bilingual early childhood education center that serves both Spanish- and English-speaking children, giving all of them the benefits of language exposure and cultural inclusivity.
I also wanted to create a safe, supportive space for both staff and families, something I saw missing in places I had worked before. My goal has always been to make sure every child’s safety and needs are prioritized as if they were my own.
It’s been a journey full of challenges, but one I wouldn’t trade. Today, I’m proud of what we’ve built and excited for what’s to come.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but it has been incredibly rewarding. Licensing a center can be a long and complex process, and since this was my only source of income at the time, every delay felt critical. Time really was money.
One of the most challenging parts has been ensuring that every single child’s needs are met. That’s a responsibility we take seriously, but it can be demanding, emotionally, physically, and mentally. On top of that, I became a single mother of two in the midst of building and growing the business, which brought a whole new layer of challenges. But knowing that this work helps keep food on the table for my own children is what motivates me to keep going and growing.
I truly love what I do. Through all the ups and downs, I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to live out my passion. I wouldn’t trade my staff or our enrolled families for anything. Every day I wake up, it doesn’t feel like I’m going to “work” it feels like I’m showing up for my Dreamers family, and that makes it all worth it.
We’ve been impressed with Dreamers Bilingual Academy, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Dreamers Bilingual Academy is a high-quality early childhood education center rooted in love, culture, and community. We specialize in bilingual education, offering children the opportunity to learn and grow in both English and Spanish through play-based, developmentally appropriate practices. What truly sets us apart is the heart we put into everything, from our classroom environments to our family relationships.
As the director, I (Mariela Garcia) am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Education at The University Of North FLorida to expand my professional knowledge and improve the experiences we offer to our children and families. I believe that leadership is about continuous growth, and I model that belief every day.
Our staff members either hold their Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials or are actively working toward them, with full support from me, including sponsorships through the TEACH Scholarship program. We have an incredibly low staff turnover rate, and the majority of our families stay with us until their children graduate from our VPK program. That kind of trust and consistency speaks volumes.
We’re proud to say that we hold one of the highest CLASS scores in the county, a direct reflection of the warm, responsive, and intentional interactions that take place in our classrooms every day. We focus not only on academic readiness but also on social-emotional development, independence, and cultural awareness.
At Dreamers, family engagement is a cornerstone of our philosophy. We host regular involvement events and truly view families as partners in their child’s learning journey. Our environment is positive, inclusive, and centered around respect and community.
We also provide nutritious, home-cooked meals, including breakfast, lunch, and snacks, with organic fruits and vegetables served daily. Everything is prepared from scratch to ensure that our children receive wholesome, nourishing food that supports their growth.
Dreamers Bilingual Academy is a place where children are loved, teachers are supported, and families feel at home. We’re proud of the high-quality experiences we provide and the strong foundation we build for every child who walks through our doors.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned along this journey is to never forget why I started. Holding onto that original purpose, which is creating a safe, inclusive, high-quality space where children and families feel seen and supported—has guided every decision I’ve made. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day challenges of running a business, but staying grounded in your “why” is what keeps your vision alive.
Equally important has been learning to hold firm to my expectations. High standards are not just about structure, they shape culture. They create environments where children thrive, staff feel empowered, and families build trust. I’ve seen firsthand how setting the bar with intention and compassion can truly change people’s lives, including my own.
This work is personal. It’s emotional. And it’s impactful. The greatest reward has been knowing that by staying rooted in my values, I’ve been able to build something meaningful, not just for my own children, but for so many others who now call Dreamers their second home.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamersbilingualacademywh
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dreamersbilingualacademy/
