By Rocio Esparza | Para la versión en español, haga clic aquí.
At the heart of Grand Island, Nebraska, lies a home where children's laughter, learning, and love form the foundation of a business with purpose. Behind this space stands María Rosa Delgado Veobides, a woman who transformed necessity into a life's mission: to care for, educate, and nurture the children of her community.
María Rosa arrived in the U.S. in May 2015, motivated by a powerful reason: the pursuit of freedom and a better future.
Like many entrepreneurial stories, hers did not begin with a business plan, but rather with a real need. While living with her son in Grand Island, some parents asked her to help look after their children while they worked.
Not knowing how much to charge or how to structure a business, María Rosa started with what she had: determination, family support, and a deep affection for children.
“It all started like this,” said Maria Rosa.
Little by little, her name began to circulate among families in the community, growing thanks to trust and recommendations.
The true turning point arrived unexpectedly. While attending English classes in College Park, María Rosa came across a flyer about in-home child care. That moment awakened something bigger: the possibility of formalizing their passion. She took down the number, made the call, and decided to take the next step.
With the guidance of mentors like Carime Ruvalcaba and Alexis Marquez, she successfully formalized her business. Thus, Estrellitas Childcare LLC was born, officially opening its doors in September 2023.
Today, María Rosa cares for eight families and operates her day care with an approach that goes far beyond basic care. Her work focuses on: emotional and cognitive development, communication and language, creativity and art, and the safety and well-being of each child.
Her experience has enabled her to create an environment where children are not only safe, but also learn and grow.
“The most beautiful thing is seeing their progress... seeing them grow and wanting to come back,” said María Rosa.
The impact of Estrellitas Childcare is not limited to the home where it operates. Their work has a direct effect on the community. Thanks to their service: parents can work with peace of mind, children receive quality care in a safe environment, and trust within the community is strengthened.
“The most important role of my day care is that parents can go to work knowing that their children are well cared for and receiving love,” María Rosa said.
As with any venture, the journey has not been easy.
One of their greatest challenges has been working in conjunction with parents, seeking to ensure that the children's development and discipline are also reinforced at home. In addition, she faced significant barriers such as language and adapting to a completely new system.
“The language is a big shock to those of us who don’t know English,” said María Rosa, acknowledging a common reality among many entrepreneurs who are immigrants.
Added to this is the challenge of balancing multiple roles: educator, administrator, provider, and student in constant training.
Their participation in the Childcare Accelerator Program marked a turning point.
Thanks to this program, María Rosa strengthened key skills such as planning educational activities, creating safe environments, supporting child development, and communicating with families. This knowledge not only improved the quality of her service but also increased parents' confidence in her work. María Rosa has a clear vision: to continue improving her space for the children.
María Rosa plans to invest in safer recreational areas, the construction of an outdoor restroom to facilitate child care during playtime, and infrastructure improvements, such as flooring and plumbing. Each of these improvements serves a clear purpose: to provide a more comfortable, safe, and welcoming environment for the children.
Although she has now formalized her business, María Rosa still dreams big.
She would like to expand, serve more children, and work alongside her daughter, who is already part of this journey. And if someone asks her if she recommends this path, her answer is clear.
"I would 100% recommend it to anyone who likes working with children," said María Rosa.
The story of María Rosa Delgado Veobides is more than just an entrepreneurial venture. It is a reflection of resilience, community, and purpose.
It is the story of how a woman, with limited resources but a big heart, managed to build a space where children are not only cared for—but truly valued.
And in every “Mary, Mary, I want to go to your house,” there is confirmation that her work is leaving a mark.
