About Caritas
Our mission is to provide the highest quality child care, preschool education in a secure nurturing and stimulating environment.
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We want you to know that children learning a second language can be a little frustrating in the beginning (depends on the age), but once they get familiar with the teacher and with the daily activities and the environment , they will feel comfortable. Remember that this is an immersion program and all Academics and Arts will be taught in Spanish: Math, Science, Social Studies, Arts, Language Arts, Rhythmic movements and Dance.
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At Caritas we know that children feel more secure and gain more from their child care experience when there is a strong connection between home and school. Our door is always open to you, to visit with your child during the day. After school hours or before we’ll be glad to meet with you for a conference to discuss how your child is doing. Your comments and concerns are always welcome and we are here to listen to you, we consider our school a partnership with your family.
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Caritas wants to ensure that your child will have fun learning and the best childhood experience possible. Thank you for entrusting us with that responsibility and privilege.
Learning Through Spanish Immersion
Caritas addresses a comprehensive range of aspects—cognitive, emotional, and self-esteem—demonstrating that the program not only looks after the child but also fosters their socio-emotional development.
Caritas highlights "safety" and "affection"—the two most critical and decisive factors for parents when choosing a preschool for the first time.
Connects healthy eating with cognitive development in a second language, using a metaphor that will deeply resonate with parents.
Appeal directly to parents' "peace of mind" (security) and clearly break down the value-based benefits your program offers.
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Norma Ortega
Owner/Director
My path in education began when I graduated from the *Escuela Normal Superior de Jalisco*, where I earned my degree in Education. My early years as a teacher were spent in Guadalajara’s public school system, working at the elementary level and middle schoolÂ
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Over time, my calling led me to expand my experience in the United States. In Oregon, I worked actively with the Beaverton School District (BSD), first as an assistant and later as a Science and Math teacher for ESL (English as a Second Language) students. I also had the opportunity to engage in cultural and community leadership roles: serving as an editor for the bilingual newspaper *The Hispanic News*, participating in the PILOT (Pan-Immigrant Leadership and Organizing Training) program, and teaching folk dance at prestigious institutions such as Portland State University (PSU), the Cornelius Cultural Center, OCHA’s *Proyecto Adelante* program in various high schools, and the ACMA arts academy (BSD).
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This wealth of multicultural and pedagogical experience solidified my vision: education must be holistic, bilingual, and deeply human.
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Caritas Preschool was born from a dual motivation: my unwavering passion for teaching and the purest love I hold as a mother. I wanted to create a space that would not merely serve as a transition, but rather as an extension of home—a safe, warm, and stimulating environment where every child feels loved, understood, and accepted. Today, I bring over 20 years of experience dedicated exclusively to preschool education, leading small, personalized groups of 16 children. This scale allows us to provide focused attention, where structure and care go hand in hand.
Ivonne Diaz de LeĂłn
Teacher
I’m Ivonne Diaz de León, from Chihuahua México. I got my Bachelor’s degree in preschool education in 2017 at Escuela Normal del Estado de Chihuahua. I joined Caritas daycare on June 2024.
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 I’m a hardworking and passionate teacher with 6 years of experience with 3-5 years olds in classroom settings of up to 30 students. Able to create fun and engaging learning experiences that improve students social, emotional and academic skills. Familiar with many learning theories and methods. Bringing forth dedication, skill and the desire to impact positively in the lives of children.
