Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Zapata.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In August 2024, Eagles Child Care Center (ECCC) was founded by Yamile Santos and myself, Claudia Zapata, each as 50% partners. Mrs. Santos brought over 15 years of experience operating a home-based childcare program, while I came from the corporate world and transitioned into early childhood education, where I have worked for more than 15 years as a quality childcare consultant, mentor, trainer, and coach.
I found the property and invited Mrs. Santos to join me in bringing to life a shared vision: creating a high-quality Montessori Spanish immersion program. We began remodeling the space immediately, working seven days a week for nearly two and a half months, while also carefully preparing a Montessori environment and initiating the licensing process.
Although everything was progressing smoothly, we faced a major challenge when the Fire Marshal required a new Certificate of Occupancy. This unexpected requirement paused our licensing process and led us into a seven-month journey navigating city approvals. It was a demanding and humbling experience, but one that strengthened our resilience and deepened our knowledge of the process.
By the end of May 2025, we successfully obtained our license and began operations.
Today, ECCC stands out for its commitment to excellence, offering a warm, nurturing, and child-centered environment rooted in the Montessori philosophy. Our program integrates innovation and purpose through unique offerings such as entrepreneurship, sustainability, cooking, STEM, and Spanish immersion. Each experience is designed to foster independence, creativity, social-emotional growth, and a lifelong love of learning.
At Eagles Child Care Center, we believe that every child is a unique individual deserving of respect, guidance, and meaningful opportunities to grow. Inspired by the Montessori Method, our classrooms empower children to explore, make choices, and develop at their own pace, with teachers serving as thoughtful guides.
Our vision is to be a premier multicultural childcare program, recognized for our strong values, educational excellence, and dedication to shaping confident, compassionate, and capable young learners—transforming the world one child at a time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but every challenge has been a valuable learning experience.
One of our biggest obstacles came early in the process when, just as everything was moving forward, the Fire Marshal required a new Certificate of Occupancy. This unexpected requirement paused our licensing process and led to a seven-month journey navigating city approvals. This delay significantly impacted us financially, as we had already invested in the space and preparation but were unable to begin operations during that time. It was a very challenging period, both operationally and financially, but it strengthened our resilience and deepened our understanding of what it takes to build a program from the ground up.
Another ongoing challenge has been recruiting families. As a new program, building trust and visibility in the community takes time. Even with a strong, high-quality offering, it requires consistent outreach, communication, and relationship-building for families to feel confident enrolling their children.
That said, despite the challenges in recruitment, we have experienced a high level of appreciation and acceptance from the families currently enrolled in our program. Their satisfaction and trust have been incredibly rewarding, and many of them have become our strongest ambassadors, helping us grow through word-of-mouth and genuine connection.
Despite these challenges, each step has helped us grow stronger and more intentional. We’ve learned to adapt, stay focused on our mission, and continue building a program rooted in quality, authenticity, and a deep commitment to children and families.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work is rooted in a deep commitment to improving the quality of early childhood education. Through my consulting company, I have partnered with the Nebraska Department of Education since 2017 as an Early Learning Guidelines (ELG) Trainer, helping educators and families understand and apply research-based practices that support children’s development across all key domains.
I am also a certified trainer in Child Abuse Prevention and Safe With You, where I equip childcare providers with critical knowledge to ensure children’s safety, well-being, and healthy development. Since 2021, I have served as a facilitator for the AVANCE Quality Child Care Matters (QCCM) program in Austin, supporting home-based providers through training, coaching, and community-building to strengthen the quality of care they offer.
A meaningful part of my work has been empowering educators to grow professionally. I have facilitated CDA (Child Development Associate) programs with the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative, guiding providers in achieving certification and elevating their practice. In 2024, I also led focus groups for the city of Austin, where I helped amplify the voices of home-based childcare providers. Through this work, I adapted and translated content to better serve Spanish-speaking educators, expanding access to culturally relevant and inclusive professional development.
What sets my work apart is my ability to connect high-quality standards with real, practical application—especially within diverse communities. I am proud of the trust I have built and the impact my work has had in empowering educators, strengthening families, and ultimately improving outcomes for children.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I grew up in Medellín, Colombia, as one of eight siblings, and my most beautiful childhood memories are rooted in growing up together as a big, close family. Our parents were very protective and loving, and they created a childhood full of connection, joy, and strong values.
We spent many weekends at a small farm my father had in Llano Grande, Rionegro. Those moments, surrounded by nature and family, are some of my happiest memories.
Christmas was especially magical. Every year, my father organized the traditional novena de Navidad for all the families in our community. We would have a giant Christmas tree, and on Christmas Day, he would sing a tango called “Al bazar de los juguetes,” creating a moment full of excitement and wonder for all the children. He always made sure every child received a small gift.
I remember those moments with so much love and nostalgia. They shaped who I am today and taught me the true meaning of generosity, community, and giving from the heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eagleschildcare.com
