Educator Spotlight

Esperanza Goana

Esperanza Goana is the owner of Susy Child Care in Washington County. As a small business, Esperanza has been developing and structuring her program to support the community’s needs while maintaining balance between work and personal life. With the support from the OCCA and Washington County CCR&R, Esperanza has a strong foundation to build her business.

Susy Child Care LLC

Susy Child Care, LLC

Susy’s Child Care opened 2023 after Esperanzas second daughter was born. Having her program in-home gave Esperanza the opportunity to spend quality time with her own children while also providing an income for her family. Running her program with a Montessori-inspired theme, the space is open and activities are accessible to the students, allowing them to explore and create freely. The covered outdoor area has turf and toys for all to enjoy, including a small play structure. With a maximum of seven students, Esperanza has been able to build a strong relationship with the families, giving her the option of adjusting availability based on the needs of the families. As a fully immersive Spanish-speaking program, Susy Child Care has both native Spanish speakers as well as students that have only been exposed to English, giving students both comfort and new skills to practice that they can bring home to practice.

Quick Facts!

4:30-6pm or 6am-6pm

Daily rate at $45/day and family discounts

Montessori style

Spanish program

Accepts ERDC/DHS

USDA food program

Wonderschool & OCCA Coaching

Esperanza has been part of the OCCA since she opened in 2023. Working with her coach, she has utilized the OCCA resources offered to her; from trainings about professionalism to grant opportunities in her area, she is always looking for ways to move her business forward. After joining the OCCA, Esperanza has been building a strong foundation to eventually move into a larger space so she can offer more spots to the community’s needs. Using Wonderschool platform has simplified and streamlined Esperanzas program. She utilizes the check in/out feature, registration, income tracking and daily communication with parents without having to text each parent individually, giving her more time to put into her students. Esperanza is especially grateful for the continued support she receives from her coach. Opportunities like free trainings on child develpoment, professionalizm as well as guideance on applying for grants has been invaluable to her and her program.

Esperanza Goana

With 2 children of her own, Esperanza has been gracefully navigating the trials and tribulations of running a small business from her home. Establishing boundaries when she is off the clock helps her maintain the tricky balance between work and personal life. Closing off rooms that are not be used for child care during operating hours, listening to music at a 1 day/week job, and requesting that parents give at least a 1–day notice for student absences are some great ways that Esperanza has been able to maintain this work/life balance.

Esperanza was able to follow her dreams of becoming an educator, motivated by finding a career path that allowed her to spend her desired time with her children while still advancing her career. Hard work and the continued support from her family, Esperanza is ensuring she gives the care and encouragement that each student needs to thrive at Susy Child Care.