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History and Achievemets
History

El Campito was founded by Concepcion and Ignacio Niño in 1970. It was created for the children of migrant workers, hence the name. The parents would go to "el campo," the field and the children would go to "El Campito," the little field. The focus was and continues to be on children of migrant workers as well as low-income families. They started out of their home, and it grew and grew until they bought a second house, then a small brick-and-mortar building, until 1986 when St. Stephan's Church donated their old school building on Thomas Street, where we still reside today.

We pride ourselves on being able to provide the best quality of care to those in our community who would not have access to it otherwise. Today, through the generous support of the community, El Campito has grown out of the Niño's home to become one of South Bend's oldest non-profit child development centers. We continue demonstrating our commitment to creating a community of our own - an inclusive environment that embraces and celebrates children from all cultures and backgrounds.

ninos
Achievements
  • State Licensed

  • Bilingual

  • Paths to Quality Level 4

  • NAEYC Accredited 

  • 501(c)3 Non-profit

  • In business for 50+ years

paths to quality
naeyc
Our Staff
Our Staff
Here at El Campito, our staff comprises high-quality Early Childhood Education professionals. Each staff member brings a variety of experience and education to our building. All staff receive training annually and are continuously furthering their education through programs such as T.E.A.C.H.
Staff Pic spring 2024
denyse
Ms. Denyse
(she/her)

As the Director of Programs and Operations, Denyse manages the teaching staff, maintains curriculum, and provides the best quality of care for the staff and for the children. She has worked with children since 1995, and 15+ of those years she has spent caring for the children of El Campito.

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Child Care Experience since 1995

Favorite ColorGreen

Favorite Snack: Brownies 

Favorite El Campito Activity: The Christmas Program and Preschool Graduation
 

alli
Ms. Alli
(she/her)

Alli serves as the Administration and Family Support Assistant. She provides assistance to the the administrators while also being the face of El Campito for anyone who walks into the building. You will most likely find her up at the front desk. She always tries to be cheerful and help out as much as she can! 

​

Child Care Experience since 2022

Favorite Color: Lavender 

Favorite Snack: blueberries, strawberries, basically any fruit

Favorite El Campito Activity: Reading Time and Small Group Time

aleyna
Ms. Aleyna
(she/her)

As Director of Development and Community Outreach, Aleyna researches and prepares grant proposals and other funding applications to ensure a high-
quality program is maintained.  She develops partnerships within
the community to further advance El Campito’s mission and outreach!  ​

​

Child Care Experience since 2015

Favorite Color: Periwinkle

Favorite Snack: Colby Jack cheese with pretzel crackers

Favorite El Campito Activity: Outside Time and the Back to School Picnic

erika
Ms. Erika
(she/her)

As Financial Compliance and HR Coordinator, Erika encompasses human resources, bookkeeping, and general office activities. She also oversees the Child and Adult Food Care Program (CACFP) as the 504 Coordinator, and manages Child Care Vouchers for families. 

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Child Care Experience since 2020

Favorite Color: Olive Green

Favorite Snack: Hot Cheetos

Favorite El Campito Activity: The Taco Battle Fundraiser

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Ms. Kaylei
(she/her)

Infants's Class Teacher

Child Care Experience since 2019

Favorite color: Pink

Favorite Snack: Dill Pickle Lays Chips

Favorite El Campito Activity: Birthday Celebrations

 

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Ms. Teala
(she/her)

Toddler Class Teacher

Child Care Experience since 2016

Favorite color: Red

Favorite Snack: Hot Cheetos

Favorite El Campito Activity: Music Time

​

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Ms. Ynes
(she/her)

Toddler Class Teacher

Child Care Experience Since 2022
Favorite Color:
White
Favorite Snack: Nutella
Favorite El Campito Activity: Music Time

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Ms. Mireya
(she/her)

EHS - CCP 1's Class Teacher

Child Care Experience since 2016

Favorite color:  Black 

Favorite Snack: Hot Cheetos

Favorite El Campito Activity: Family Engagement Activities

 

alma
Ms. Alma
(she/her)

EHS - CCP 2's Class Teacher

Child Care Experience 2014

Favorite Color: Sky Blue

Favorite Snack: Pretzels

Favorite El Campito Activity: Back to School Picnic
 

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Ms. Zuleny
(she/her)

Early 3's Class Teacher

Child Care Experience since 2021

Favorite color: Blue and Gray

Favorite Snack: Fruit

Favorite El Campito Activity: Small Group Time and Outside Time

 

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Ms. Irma
(she/her)

Young Preschool Class Teacher

Child Care Experience since 2021

Favorite Color: Dark Green

Favorite Snack: French Fries

Favorite El Campito Activity: Outside Time / Gym Time 

​

nela
Ms. Nela
(she/her)

Pre - K Class Teacher

Child Care Experience Since 2010
Favorite Color:
Red
Favorite Snack: Chips
Favorite El Campito Activity: Small Group Time

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Ms. Mariela
(she/her)
autumn
Ms. Autumn
(she/her)

EHS - CCP 2's Class Teacher

Child Care Experience since 2018

Favorite Color: Orange

Favorite Snack: Anything white chocolate

Favorite El Campito Activity: Sensory Play 

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Ms. Eugenia
(she/her)

Early 3's Class Teacher

Child Care Experience since 2018

Favorite color: Pink

Favorite Snack: Cantaloupe

Favorite El Campito Activity: Large Group Time

 

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Ms. Christina
(she/her)

Young Preschool Class Teacher

Child Care Experience since 2016

Favorite color: Forest Green

Favorite Snack: Spicy Cheeto Puffs

Favorite El Campito Activity: Small Group Time 

 

andrea
Ms. Andrea
(she/her)

Pre - K Class Teacher

Child Care Experience since 2021 

Favorite color: Lime Green

Favorite Snack: Peaches

Favorite El Campito Activity: Large Group Time

 

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Ms. Andrea
(she/her)

Infant's Class Support Staff

Child Care Experience Since 2023
Favorite Color:
Green
Favorite Snack: Fruit
Favorite El Campito Activity: Reading Time

 

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Ms. Aila
(she/her)

Toddler Class Support Staff

Child Care Experience Since 2012
Favorite Color:
Purple
Favorite Snack: Sabritas Hot Chips
Favorite El Campito Activity: Music Time

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Ms. Esther
(she/her)

EHS - CCP 1's Class Support Staff

Child Care Experience since 2014

Favorite color: Purple

Favorite Snack: Tacos

Favorite El Campito Activity: Music Time

 

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Ms. Maria
(she/her)

EHS - CCP 2's Class Support Staff

Child Care Experience since 2023

Favorite color:  Black 

Favorite Snack: Fruit

Favorite El Campito Activity: Outside Time

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Ms. Terria
(she/her)

Early 3's Class Support Staff

Child Care Experience since 2020

Favorite color: Orange

Favorite Snack: Chips and Salsa

Favorite El Campito Activity: Small Group Time

 

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Erica Staff Bio Board.JPG
Ms. Erica
(she/her)

Pre - K Class Support Staff

Child Care Experience Since 2019
Favorite Color:
Baby Blue
Favorite Snack: Bagels and cream cheese
Favorite El Campito Activity: Outside Time

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School Age Teacher

Child Care Experience since 2019

Favorite color: Pink

Favorite Snack: Cheetos

Favorite El Campito Activity: Rest Time

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Ms. Kay
(she/her)
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Support Staff

Child Care Experience Since 2013
Favorite Color:
Pink
Favorite Snack: Hot Fries
Favorite El Campito Activity: The Fall Festival

pilar
Ms. Pilar
(she/her)

Facility Maintenance

Child Care Experience since 2016 

Favorite color:  Black 

Favorite Snack: Mexican food

Favorite El Campito Activity: Seeing her job finished 

 

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Ms. Letty
(she/her)

Cook

Child Care Experience Since 2015

Kitchen Experience Since 1980
Favorite Color:
Dark Purple and Red
Favorite Snack: Strawberries
Favorite El Campito Activity: The Taco Battle Fundraiser

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Ms. Kelly
(she/her)

Assistant Cook

Child Care Experience Since 

Kitchen Experience Since 

Favorite Color: 
Favorite Snack: 
Favorite El Campito Activity: 

Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Board Members

Rob Michalak | Masterbilt, Inc
Jonathan Kitchens | Le Chat Digital Marketing
Shelley Pulaski | Interra Credit Union
Tatiana Botero |
University of Notre Dame
John Kersey | The Healy Group

Julia Cordova-Gurule | SBCSC
Andrea Crawford | Writer & Communications Consultant
Adrienne Batteast | SBCSC Empowerment Zone

Courtney Kubly | DTSB

Nikki Elie | Press Ganey

Jen Lister | Cressy and Everett

Jessica Watkins | Hampton Industrial Services

Zulema Lee | Complexus Medical

Current Officers

Rob Michalak | President

Shelley Pulaski | Vice President

Zulema Lee | Treasurer

Tatiana Botero | Secretary

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