We recently connected with Bee Alvarado and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Bee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

When I first had the idea to open a nature-based childcare center, it felt like a distant dream. I’d always been passionate about working with children, and my experiences, both personal and professional, had shown me how essential it is for kids to feel nurtured and connected to nature. But turning that passion into something tangible took time and patience.

The very first step was realizing that the traditional childcare system wasn’t aligned with my vision. I saw a need—San Diego had a real gap when it came to accessible, high-quality childcare, especially with a focus on sustainability. I knew I could help fill that gap, but I needed a plan. I spent hours sketching out ideas for a curriculum rooted in nature, sustainability, and hands-on experiences. I wanted kids to get their hands back in the dirt, to learn through play with natural materials, and to grow a deep love for the earth.

I started researching what it would take to make this dream happen. I looked into everything—business models, local childcare regulations, and nature-based education philosophies like Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. I spent months pouring over articles and studies, gathering every bit of information I could find about starting a childcare center that was truly unique and aligned with my values.

But then reality set in. The idea of a brick-and-mortar center was ambitious, and I realized I needed to be adaptable. The pandemic had already highlighted the growing need for flexible, mobile services, and it became clear that offering pop-up sensory experiences could be the perfect first step. This was how I could still provide enriching, eco-conscious care but in a way that was more accessible, nimble, and responsive to the needs of modern families.

That’s when Mother Earth’s Learning Center really began to take shape. I put together a mobile, nature-based childcare concept where families could book us for events, markets, and private gatherings. The vision shifted slightly, but the mission remained the same: inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards through play-based learning and nature exploration.

One of the most critical parts of moving forward was finding the right team. I reached out to people I knew shared my passion for early childhood education and sustainability. Together, we brainstormed ideas, created pop-up sensory experiences, and tested activities that aligned with our vision.

The next big leap was logistical. I had to get the business set up—everything from LLC paperwork to creating a website. Marketing and outreach became essential. I connected with like-minded parents and eco-conscious communities through social media and began reaching out to local organizations. Slowly but surely, the bookings started to roll in, and with each event, we saw how much kids and parents alike appreciated the hands-on, nature-based experiences we provided.

Then came the realization that we could expand further with sensory kits—take-home versions of our pop-up experiences. This allowed us to provide eco-friendly, educational tools for families even when we weren’t physically there. And it all snowballed from there. We were awarded our first grant from Bizstoop, solidifying the belief that what we were doing mattered.

There were setbacks, of course—moments of doubt, challenges with funding, and learning curves when it came to scaling a business. But each step, no matter how small, brought me closer to the dream I had envisioned. We have now grown to become a community-driven venture that not only offers pop-up childcare but aims to create young environmental stewards who understand the importance of taking care of our planet.

What started as a dream to open a nature-based childcare center has evolved into a mission-driven business, bringing the beauty of nature-based, sustainable learning to families all across San Diego. And this is only the beginning.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi! I’m Bee Alvarado, the founder of Mother Earth’s Learning Center, and my journey into the world of childcare started from a deep-rooted love for nurturing children and a passion for nature. Growing up as the eldest sibling in my Mexican-American family, I naturally found myself taking care of my younger relatives, which sparked my fascination with child development. That led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from SDSU and over a decade of experience working with children in various settings, from after-school programs to nannying.

The pandemic was a turning point for me. It gave me time to reflect on the issues I saw in the traditional childcare system, particularly the lack of quality, accessible care that also focused on sustainability. I felt there was a disconnect between children and the natural world, and I wanted to change that by creating an environment where kids could explore, learn, and connect with nature.

That’s where Mother Earth’s Learning Center was born. Initially, I dreamed of opening a nature-based childcare center, but I realized that a mobile, pop-up model would make our services more accessible to busy, eco-conscious families. So, we launched our pop-up sensory experiences, where we bring hands-on, nature-based learning directly to events, markets, and private bookings. Whether it’s a networking group conference or a child’s birthday party, we create enriching environments where children can engage in play-based learning using natural materials like dirt, leaves, and eco-friendly sensory kits.

We also offer on-site childcare services for events, making it easier for parents to attend conferences, weddings, or community events knowing their little ones are in safe, nurturing hands. Recently, we introduced our sensory kits—take-home versions of our sensory experiences—which allow parents to continue the learning and fun at home. These kits are eco-friendly, designed with sustainability in mind, and provide children with an opportunity to explore nature in their own space.

What sets us apart from others is our deep commitment to sustainability and the idea that learning happens through hands-on interaction with the natural world. Our services aren’t just about keeping kids busy; they’re about fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love for the planet. We incorporate the philosophies of Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia into our work, which encourages child-led exploration and discovery.

The problem we solve is twofold: First, we help parents by providing high-quality childcare that they can trust, whether it’s during events or through our mobile offerings. Second, we address a bigger issue by helping children reconnect with nature, laying the foundation for environmental stewardship from a young age.

I’m most proud of the community we’ve started to build. Our pop-up events have brought together families who care about sustainability, and seeing the joy and engagement of children at our sensory stations fills me with hope for the future. Our recent grant from Bizstoop was a huge milestone and has helped us expand our offerings even further.

The main thing I want people to know about Mother Earth’s Learning Center is that we’re not just another childcare provider. We’re on a mission to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards by offering unique, nature-based experiences that foster a love for the planet. Whether it’s through our pop-up events, on-site childcare services, or sensory kits, everything we do is rooted in sustainability and a genuine love for children and the earth.

I invite families and organizations to join us on this journey. Whether you’re looking for childcare for an event or you want to bring a nature-based experience to your community, we’re here to help inspire and nurture little minds through the beauty of nature.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a reputation within the market for Mother Earth’s Learning Center has been a combination of passion, consistency, and genuine connection with both parents and children. One of the key factors that helped us establish trust and recognition in our community is our deep commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious education. Parents today are looking for more than just traditional childcare—they want an experience that aligns with their values, especially those focused on environmental stewardship and natural, hands-on learning.

Here are some of the key elements that helped us build our reputation:

Consistency in Mission & Values: From the beginning, we’ve been clear about our mission to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards through nature-based play and learning. We stick to those values in everything we do—whether it’s designing sensory experiences, offering eco-friendly sensory kits, or providing on-site childcare at events. This consistency has allowed parents and clients to trust that we’re not just about providing childcare; we’re about nurturing the whole child and the planet.

Unique Offerings: Our focus on pop-up sensory experiences and mobile childcare services is quite unique in the childcare market. Offering these services in a flexible, on-the-go model, tailored to families and businesses, sets us apart from more traditional providers. This ability to adapt and bring a nature-based experience to different settings helped us attract attention and build a distinctive brand.

Community Engagement: Engaging with local families, community events, and eco-conscious groups has been a huge part of building our reputation. Whether it’s through pop-up events at markets or conferences, or participating in community gatherings, we consistently show up and contribute to the local eco-conscious community. Parents get to experience our sensory stations and childcare services firsthand, which builds trust and creates word-of-mouth referrals.

High-Quality Care & Attention: At the core of what we do is providing quality care, which means keeping a small caregiver-to-child ratio, ensuring safety, and engaging each child in meaningful play. We build strong, positive relationships with both the children and their parents, which is a cornerstone of any childcare business.

Word-of-Mouth & Referrals: Happy parents are the best form of marketing. We’ve been fortunate that our clients love to share their experiences with others, which has naturally expanded our reach. Our pop-up sensory stations have also served as a form of organic marketing, as parents at these events often ask how they can book us for future events.

Social Proof & Online Presence: As we grow, we’ve been diligent about showcasing our work through social media, our website, and positive testimonials. This online presence not only helps spread the word but also provides transparency for new clients who want to see what we offer before booking with us.

Collaboration with Aligned Organizations: Partnering with like-minded organizations and businesses has been a great way to build our reputation. For example, providing on-site childcare at events like the San Diego Food System Alliance Conference or working with Trilogy Sanctuary in La Jolla shows that we’re capable of delivering high-quality services to well-established groups.

By staying true to our mission, engaging with the community, and consistently delivering quality care, we’ve been able to build trust and a strong reputation in the San Diego area as a childcare provider that’s truly invested in the well-being of children and the planet.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A pivotal moment for me in the journey with Mother Earth’s Learning Center came when I had to shift from my original plan of opening a family home daycare to becoming a mobile childcare provider.

When I first started, the goal was to create a home-based program that would offer children nature-based learning experiences in a consistent, nurturing environment. I spent months designing an eco-conscious curriculum focused on sustainability. But as I was navigating licensing and zoning regulations, it became clear that there were numerous logistical and regulatory hurdles in opening a family home daycare that would take more time and resources than I had initially anticipated.

Faced with this challenge, I had a decision to make: either push forward with the initial plan or pivot to something more flexible. I knew that my mission—to provide children with nature-based, sensory-rich experiences—didn’t need to be confined to one location. That’s when the idea of becoming a mobile childcare provider came to life.

I realized that, by going mobile, I could not only bring our nature-based programming to more families and communities, but also offer on-site childcare for events, markets, and gatherings, all while sticking to my core values. It was a huge shift in direction, but I embraced it as an opportunity to reach even more children and adapt to the needs of parents looking for eco-conscious, flexible childcare options.

This decision has allowed Mother Earth’s Learning Center to thrive in ways I hadn’t imagined before. We now offer pop-up sensory experiences, workshops, and on-site childcare for a variety of events. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I could have made. It reinforced that being adaptable and open to change is essential, especially in a field as dynamic as childcare. Sometimes the path you start on isn’t the one you end up on—but the new path can be just as rewarding, if not more so..

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.motherearthslearningcenter.com
• Instagram: @motherearthslc