Over 25 years of experience as an Early Childhood educator, working in various settings including Family Child Care, Pre-K, Head Start, and higher education. She has held roles such as Classroom Teacher, Director, Educational Coordinator, and College Professor. Her academic background includes degrees in Early Childhood, Exceptionalities, Education/Curriculum and Instruction, and a PhD in Psychology. Dedicated to early childhood advocacy, she has served as a Council PD, CDA Trainer, and on advisory committees and boards. Currently, she also supports the "Lazos Latinos" community for Hispanic early childhood participants.
Born in Mexico City on March 23, 1970, holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. With over twenty years of experience in the research and study of Educational Television, she has worked in various areas of educational program production. Driven by a passion for education, she has ventured into early childhood education and childcare training, aiming to shape the future adults of the community. Her mission is to use her experience and professional ethics to strengthen new generations and contribute to society.
Elida Cruz, born in California to Mexican immigrant parents, exemplifies perseverance and dedication. Despite frequent relocations, she embraced both cultures and developed a strong work ethic and resilience. With a solid academic foundation and a commitment to community, Elida created a Facebook group with over 1800 followers to support licensed home daycare educators. She also founded "Elida's Home Daycare Business Consultant LLC," conducting workshops to help others succeed in the childcare industry. Elida's journey highlights the potential within each individual, emphasizing the importance of early childhood development and family daycare businesses, and serves as an inspiring testament to hard work and determination.
Is a renowned trainer and entrepreneur in the childcare industry.
With extensive experience and deep knowledge in managing successful childcare businesses, Leidy empowers owners through practical advice and empathetic coaching. Her own business ventures provide valuable insights, guiding others towards success and fulfillment in their childcare endeavors.
A mother of three and grandmother of a sixth grader, began her career in early education after earning an associate degree in human services. Over more than twenty years, she completed a bachelor's degree in child studies and developed into a strong leader while working with family childcare networks. This experience enabled her to identify childcare providers' needs and connect them with resources. Advocating for communities and representing her organization at events, meetings with legislators, funders, and families, Maria has built meaningful partnerships that benefit childcare and education services.
