Leah Retamozo has been providing bilingual Spanish/English education in the Twin Cities metro area since 2010. We talk with Retamozo to learn more about her child care center.
How did you begin your day care business?
In 2010, we opened our first bilingual day care in a church basement in Roseville and we’ve continued to grow ever since. In 2016, we moved to a bigger space. In January 2019, we expanded to include a site on the border of White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi.
What are some of the benefits of bilingual education?
There’s a lot of research about the cognitive advantages to learning two languages early. Kids who are bilingual perform at least as well as their peers. Being able to switch back and forth is good exercise for the brain.
Kids develop greater cultural sensitivity and a more open world view. And they learn things that don’t have a translation—it’s beautiful when you start seeing things in different ways.
What’s the age range?
Six weeks to 5 years old.
What’s your new facility here like?
We have a completely renovated space next to Aldi’s and HealthPartners. We’ll be putting in a natural playground with sand, water, logs and rocks to climb on. It’s more of an outdoor experience, more focused on nature than traditional playground equipment.
What else would you like people to know?
We’re family-run. We’re there every day, making sure the quality is high. Families can call to schedule a tour, and they’re also welcome to stop in any time.
Bilingual Child Care & Education Center Inc.
720 Wildwood Road, Mahtomedi
