“I’ve taught kids for 15 years. I’ve always I just love kids. So, I just wanted to help out another way with children. We started our childcare center in 2016. We started it, and just the little house, we were able to serve 32 children, and quickly, we outgrew that little house, so we decided to find a bigger location. We are now able to serve 75 children. I think we have 55 enrolled right now,” explained Hale.
Later, a grant was received from the Coleman Economic Development Board (EDC) and Texas Workforce Commission to expand their care in Coleman.
“So, the EDC in Coleman contacted me and said that the childcare center in Haskell was closing their doors, and it was the only center they had. They asked us if we would be willing to open a center there. So, we did. We got it up and ran in within about a month and a half after the doors closed there. It’s going well. It’s been good. We have brought up 50 kids there as well. We can serve up to 70,” added Hale.
Hale emphasizes that if they hadn’t opened Lil’ Indians in Haskell, many families would lack childcare options and might have to leave their jobs.
“When I contacted parents there, they were very relieved that we were going to open the center. They were not sure what they were going to do because there wasn’t another center available. So, they were very excited that we were opening it,” said Hale.
Lorena Vasquez is the Director of Lil’ Cats in Coleman. She shared her favorite part of the job is the relationships built with the kids.
“Playing, but we also do like a lot of learning. We do a lot of circle time. We read. It’s wonderful. Like building the bond, like with the kids. Like I treat them like they’re my own kids. You know, you walk into the room and they’re like, Miss Lorraine. It’s warm and welcoming,” explained Vasquez.
The Texas Workforce Commission recognized both daycares at the state level as the Texas Small Employer of the Year and Local Employer of Excellence.
“I think not a lot of daycares or daycare teachers get the recognition like teachers at schools. A lot of places and a lot of people don’t think that directors or daycare providers are teachers, and they really are. They’re with your children 90% of the time. So, we don’t get a lot of recognition and it’s really nice that we did,” shared Vasquez.
Sharing some advice on things to look for when picking the right daycare for your child.
“You come into a childcare center, and you’re asking to look around, and you’re asking questions. As long as like the director or the next person in charge is warm and welcoming, can show you around and just make time for you and try to meet all of your needs that you’re wanting done. I think that’s really what you need to look for in childcare,” expressed Vasquez.
Both Vasquez and Hale and the entire staff work together to serve more big country families in 2025. As they plan to relocate to Coleman to a larger location and hopefully opening a new location somewhere in the big country.
“Seeing the growth, getting to see all the little kiddos, all the families that we were able to help. Just the growth and expansion of new locations. It’s like the exciting part is moving it to the big location and seeing where we can help in other rural areas with,” added Hale.
Learn more about their award here: Lil’ Cats and Lil’ Indians Daycare Named Texas Small Employer of the Year and Local Employer of Excellence – CITY OF HASKELL
Learn more about their services here: Lil’ Cats Daycare | COLEMAN TX
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