Attention Latina women: If you would like to have a second opportunity by starting your own child care business at home, Southwestern College has a perfect program for you.

It’s the Microenterprise Family Childcare, a free professional training program in Spanish that helps Latinas start their own childcare business in their own homes while getting their state license.

For the past seven years, the program has offered advancement opportunities to hundreds of women who have become independent, self-sufficient, and above all, have increased their self-esteem.

Such is the case of Patricia Cedeño, a program graduate who is a single mother to seven children and who during her youth had very low self-esteem due to her dysfunctional family background. “This program has helped me realize that I can, and I will, have a better life for me and my family,” Cedeño said. “I know that economically this is going to change our lives and will help us overcome many problems.”

All coursework, which is in Spanish, takes place in the Southwestern College Higher Education Center in National City. Low to mid income persons are eligible. Students take Child Development & Business Non Credit courses. Most licensing fees are covered. Program services include Business, Counseling, Mentor Program, CPR/First Aid, etc. Childcare is available.

It includes an intensive schedule, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the semester. To apply, you need to attend an information session.

The next information sessions will be on July 5 and 23 (you only need to attend one session) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Southwestern College, Higher Education Center in National City, 880 National City Blvd., in National City (corner of National City Blvd. and 8th St.).

Reservations are required to attend, please call (619) 216-6672.

Unfortunately, Fall semester will be the last time this program is offered, due to education budget cuts.

“This program is a great benefit for our community and unfortunately funds are ending soon,” said Ivette Rodriguez, a program coordinator. “That’s why we want our community to learn about this unique opportunity of advancement.”
More than anything, this program offers women a chance of a better future.

“Not long ago, I saw all of this as a very far away dream,” said Cedeño, a program graduate. “But now I can almost touch it, I see it in front of me, it is a reality. Nothing is impossible. Now I have hope.”