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.
Achievements
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State Licensed
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Bilingual
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Paths to Quality Level 4
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NAEYC Accredited
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501(c)3 Non-profit
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In business for 50+ years
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.
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 Color: Green
Favorite Snack: Brownies
Favorite El Campito Activity: The Christmas Program and Preschool Graduation
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!
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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
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! ​
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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
Ms. Mariela
(she/her)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
School Age Teacher
Child Care Experience since 2019
Favorite color: Pink
Favorite Snack: Cheetos
Favorite El Campito Activity: Rest Time
Ms. Kay
(she/her)
Support Staff
Child Care Experience Since 2013
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Snack: Hot Fries
Favorite El Campito Activity: The Fall Festival
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
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
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 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