
About Us

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 to demonstrate 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


Programs
1's and 2's HighScope Classrooms
In partnership with HeadStart, our 1’s and 2’s classrooms offer high-quality care to children starting as early as one year old! Each classroom is taught by two HighScope trained teachers in order to provide the best quality of care. Each classroom is equipped with at least one bilingual teacher in order to maintain a multicultural environment. Enrollment is handled through Early Head Start. Call our office for the number.
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Similar to our toddler classrooms, our preschool classrooms are taught by two HighScope trained teachers who work hard to implement the HighScope curriculum. Developmentally appropriate activities and projects help to prepare children for kindergarten. Each classroom is equipped with at least one bilingual teacher in order to maintain a multicultural environment.
3's and 4's HighScope Classrooms
After School Program
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Our after school program is available for children ages 5-12. After school participants receive help with their homework and reading time. Each classroom is equipped with at least one bilingual teacher to maintain a multicultural environment. Children also receive a nutritious snack and the opportunity to engage with other children in a safe environment. Please check with your school on the availability of transportation to and from El Campito. We do not provide transportation. Our after school program is offered during all SBCSC closings and breaks. During the summer our summer full-time program is offered to our students.
Our Staff
Here at El Campito, our staff is comprised of high-quality Early Childhood Education professionals. Each member of our staff 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
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Ms. Erika
(she/her)
As Bookkeeper/Office Assistant, Erika encompasses human resource, bookkeeping, and general office activities.
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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. Autumn
(she/her)
2's Teacher
Child Care Experience since 2018
Favorite Color: Orange
Favorite Snack: Anything white chocolate
Favorite El Campito Activity: Sensory Play

Ms. Sommer
(she/her)
3's Teacher
Child Care Experience since 2017
Favorite color: Green
Favorite Snack: Cheese Crackers
Favorite El Campito Activity: Sensory Play and Outside Time

Ms. Megan
(she/her)
School Age Teacher
Child Care Experience since 2017
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite Snack: Caramel Rice Cakes
Favorite El Campito Activity: Garden Activities

Ms. Thana
(she/her)
Support Staff
Child Care Experience since 2022
Favorite color: Light Blue
Favorite Snack: Nachos
Favorite El Campito Activity: Outside Time

Ms. Teala
(she/her)
Support Staff
Child Care Experience since 2016
Favorite color: Red
Favorite Snack: Hot Cheetos
Favorite El Campito Activity: Music Time
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Ms. Pilar
(she/her)


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. 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: Rest Time or Small Group Time

Ms. Lauren
(she/her)
1's Teacher
Child Care Experience since 2014
Favorite color: Yellow
Favorite Snack: Reese's cups
Favorite El Campito Activity: Large Group Time
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Ms. Alma
(she/her)
2's Teacher
Child Care Experience 2014
Favorite Color: Sky Blue
Favorite Snack: Pretzels
Favorite El Campito Activity: Back to School Picnic

Ms. Nela
(she/her)
4/5's Teacher
Child Care Experience Since: 2010
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Snack: Chips
Favorite El Campito Activity: Small Group Time

Ms. Liz
(she/her)
1's Teacher
Child Care Experience since 2020
Favorite Color: Black
Favorite Snack: Cheez-Its or peanut M&Ms
Favorite El Campito Activity: Small Group Time
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Ms. Thaina
(she/her)
Ms. Andrea
(she/her)
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3's Teacher
Child Care Experience since 1997
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Snack: Coconut ice cream
Favorite El Campito Activity: Greeting Time
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4/5's Teacher
Child Care Experience since 2021
Favorite color: Lime Green
Favorite Snack: Chips
Favorite El Campito Activity: Large Group Time

Ms. Nicole
(she/her)
School Age Teacher
Child Care Experience since 1998
Favorite color: Green
Favorite Snack: Sun Chips
Favorite El Campito Activity: Small Group Time

Ms. Nahomi
(she/her)
Support Staff
Child Care Experience since 2023
Favorite color: Pink
Favorite Snack: Muffiins
Favorite El Campito Activity: Outside Time

Mx. Mars
(they/them)
Support Staff
Child Care Experience since 2019
Favorite color: Yellow
Favorite Snack: Popcorn
Favorite El Campito Activity: Outside Time

Ms. Smuda
(she/her)
Support Staff
Child Care Experience Since: 1994
Favorite Color: Sunset Orange
Favorite Snack: Almonds
Favorite El Campito Activity: Outside Time

Ms. Daniela
(she/her)
Support Staff
Child Care Experience since 2023
Favorite color: Black
Favorite Snack: Cheesy crackers
Favorite El Campito Activity: Small Group Time

Ms. Lety
(she/her)
Cook
Child Care Experience Since: 2015
Favorite Color: Dark Purple and Red
Favorite Snack: Strawberries
Favorite El Campito Activity: Taco Battle
Facility Maintenance
Child Care Experience since 2016
Favorite color: Black
Favorite Snack: Mexican food
Favorite El Campito Activity: Seeing her job finished
Board of Directors
Board Members
Rob Michalak | Masterbilt, Inc
Jonathan Kitchens | Le Chat Digital Marketing
Shelley Pulaski | United Federal Credit Union
Tatiana Botero | University of Notre Dame
John Kersey | The Healy Group
Julia Cordova-Gurule | SBCSC
Andrea Crawford | Writer and Communications Consultant
Adrienne Batteast | SBCSC Empowerment Zone
Courtney Kubly | DTSB
Current Officers
Rob Michalak | President
Jonathan Kitchens | Vice President
Shelley Pulaski | Treasurer
Tatiana Botero | Secretary