Paula's Barn Child Care

There was something incredibly powerful about being at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum on Friday surrounded by Latino leaders, educators, advocates, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from across Massachusetts.

During the Celebration 2025, I felt the strength, resilience, culture, and dreams of our Latino community in such a profound way.

One phrase shared that night stayed with me deeply:
“Dime con quién andas y te diré quién eres” (“Tell me who you walk with, and I’ll tell you who you are”), mentioned by Cristina Silva.

Looking around that room, I understood the meaning completely. Being surrounded by people committed to uplifting our communities and opening doors for future generations was truly inspiring.

Thank you to  and Eneida Román for creating spaces where Latino leadership, representation, and community are celebrated and seen.

Being recognized as one of the honorees was deeply emotional. I thought about my journey, my family, my culture, and the impact I hope to continue building through Paula’s Barn and .latino for children, families, and educators in our communities.

And while this recognition may have my name on it, I know I would not be on this journey alone. Sharing this moment with my friend, colleague, and husband, Harold Antonio Blanco , made it even more special. Thank you for believing in my “crazy ideas” and always encouraging me to dream bigger.

So grateful to celebrate alongside amazing leaders, friends, and fellow honorees.

When Latinos come together with purpose, compassion, and vision, we are not only creating change for today—we are building something meaningful for generations to come.

Today, Governor Maura Healey has officially proclaimed Child Care Provider Day in Massachusetts, recognizing the vital role that child care providers play in the lives of children, families, and communities across the Commonwealth. 💙

Child care providers are essential to our economy and our society. Every day, they create safe, nurturing, and engaging environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Their work supports working families, strengthens local communities, and helps ensure that children have strong foundations for lifelong success.

On Child Care Provider Day, we extend our appreciation to all providers for the important work you do year-round to support children and families across the Commonwealth. 🌟

el Miércoles, 6 de Mayo a las 6:30 PM en Zoom
La Línea de Ayuda de Salud Conductual (BHHL) conecta a individuos y familias con toda la gama de servicios de tratamiento para la salud mental y el uso de sustancias que se ofrecen en Massachusetts. La BHHL está disponible las 24 horas del día, los 365 días del año por teléfono, mensaje de texto y chat en línea. Únete a nosotros para aprender más con Elyzabeth Frontaan, Relaciones Comunitarias del Centro de MA, Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line.

¿Cómo unirse a estas llamadas? Visite www.strategiesforchildren.org/930call/, haga clic en el botón naranja de registro y complete el formulario. Recibirá un correo electrónico con el enlace de Zoom. Usamos el mismo enlace de Zoom para todas las llamadas de las 9:30.

on Wednesday, May 6 at 6:30 PM on Zoom
The Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) connects individuals and families to the full range of treatment services for mental health and substance use offered in Massachusetts. The BHHL is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by phone, text, and online chat. Join us to learn more from Elyzabeth Frontaan, Central Massachusetts Community Relations, Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line.

How to join these calls? Visit www.strategiesforchildren.org/930call/, click the orange registration button, and complete the form. You will receive an email with the Zoom link. We use the same Zoom link for all 9:30 calls.

Stepping into this work last year, I knew I was joining something meaningful — but I didn’t yet realize the depth of the legacy behind the Massachusetts Association for the Education of Young Children

Celebrating 35 years of impact is more than a milestone — it’s a testament to generations of educators, advocates, and leaders who have worked tirelessly to elevate early childhood education across Massachusetts.

Since joining the board in June 2025 and now serving as Conference Chair, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand the passion, commitment, and heart that drive this community. Every conversation, every collaboration, every educator in the room reminds me why this work matters so deeply.

To have this moment recognized by the Office of the Governor of Massachusetts is incredibly meaningful — not just for MAAEYC, but for the entire early childhood field.

As we gather this weekend for our 2026 Spring Conference, I’m holding both gratitude for the past and excitement for what we are building together — a future where educators are supported, families are uplifted, and every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Here’s to the next chapter. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Celebrating 35 years of impact! 🎉

We are proud to honor MAAEYC’s incredible legacy of advancing early childhood education across our state. For over three decades, MAAEYC has been a driving force in supporting educators, uplifting families, and strengthening the foundation for our youngest learners.

We’re excited to share this special milestone along with the Governor’s Proclamation recognizing MAAEYC’s lasting contributions and leadership in the field of ECE.

Here’s to 35 years of advocacy, collaboration, and commitment and to many more ahead! 🌟

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Únete a nosotros en The 9:30 Call en español la próxima semana el miércoles 15 de abril a las 6:30 p.m. en Zoom

Graduadas del programa Advocacy Network for Early Childhood de Strategies for Children reflexionarán sobre sus experiencias vividas, sus trayectorias en la abogacía, y el impacto en su crecimiento personal y profesional:

Grupo 1:
Gloria Valentín, Socia de Éxito en Cuidado Infantil Familiar, Red de Cuidado Infantil Familiar Ellis en Ellis Early Learning
Yolanda Ramos, Consultora, Together For Kids Coalition

Grupo 4:
Maribel Carvajal, Educadora de la Primera Infancia, Defensora de Políticas y Líder Comunitaria; Fundadora de Hispanas Amigas, Inc.; y Propietaria de My Pretty Garden Family Child Care
Jazmin Rosas, Especialista en Coaching Familiar, Horizons for Homeless Children

¿Cómo unirse a estas llamadas? Visite https://strategiesforchildren.org/930call/, haga clic en el botón naranja de registro y complete el formulario. Recibirá un correo electrónico con el enlace de Zoom. Usamos el mismo enlace de Zoom para todas las llamadas de las 9:30.

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Join us on The 9:30 Call en español next week on Wednesday, April 15 at 6:30pm on Zoom

Alumnae of Strategies for Children's Advocacy Network for Early Childhood will reflect on their lived experiences, advocacy journeys, and the impact on their personal and professional growth:

Cohort 1:
Gloria Valentin, Family Child Care Success Partner, Ellis Family Child Care Network at Ellis Early Learning
Yolanda Ramos, Consultant, Together For Kids Coalition

Cohort 4:
Maribel Carvajal, Early Childhood Educator, Policy Advocate & Community Leader; Founder, Hispanas Amigas, Inc.; and Owner, My Pretty Garden Family Child Care
Jazmin Rosas, Family Coaching Specialist, Horizons for Homeless Children

How to join these calls? Visit https://strategiesforchildren.org/930call/ click the orange registration button, and complete the form. You will receive an email with the Zoom link. We use the same Zoom link for all 9:30 calls.

MAAEYC Conference registration closing soon! Email from MAAEYC     Time is running out; registration is closing Tuesday April 14th. Act now!     Celebrate 35 years of early childhood excellence at MAAEYC’s Annual Conference, where high tech mee