From idea to a licensed childcare business. Opportunity to receive a $1,000 stipend upon program completion to support your childcare business launch!
The Childcare Entrepreneur Collective is a new initiative designed to expand access to high-quality childcare services in the City of Baltimore while creating opportunities for entrepreneurship, business ownership, and economic mobility. The program will begin with a bilingual incubator for aspiring childcare entrepreneurs, offering training, individualized support, guidance throughout Maryland’s licensing process, and practical tools to develop and manage a successful childcare business.
Through the Childcare Entrepreneur Collective, participants will gain the knowledge, resources, and support needed to transform their interest and passion for childcare into a licensed, sustainable business prepared for growth.
Our next Spanish-language cohort in Baltimore City begins in spring 2027. Interested? Join the interest list.
50% of children under age five in Baltimore City lack access to quality childcare — the shortage is most acute for infants and toddlers. LEDC brings its 35+ years of experience supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Class Schedule (dates subject to change)
|
# |
Session |
Date |
|
1 |
Kick-Off & Introduction to the Family Childcare Sector (In-Person) |
TBD |
|
2 |
Business Modeling I: Assessing Community Need & Market Opportunity |
TBD |
|
3 |
Overview of the Family Child Care Licensing Process in Maryland |
TBD |
|
4 |
24-Hour Pre-Service Training – Module I |
TBD |
|
5 |
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) / Safe Sleep Training |
TBD |
|
6 |
24-Hour Pre-Service Training – Module II |
TBD |
|
7 |
Basic Health and Safety with Breastfeeding Support |
TBD |
|
8 |
24-Hour Pre-Service Training – Module III |
TBD |
|
9 |
Space Design and Required Equipment |
TBD |
|
10 |
24-Hour Pre-Service Training – Module IV |
TBD |
|
11 |
Daily Routines, Transitions, and Menu Planning |
TBD |
|
12 |
24-Hour Pre-Service Training – Module V |
TBD |
|
13 |
Business Modeling II: Financial Planning, Budgeting & Pricing |
TBD |
|
14 |
24-Hour Pre-Service Training – Module VI |
TBD |
|
15 |
Medication Administration (In-Person) |
TBD |
|
16 |
Emergency Preparedness PART I |
TBD |
|
17 |
Emergency Preparedness PART II |
TBD |
|
18 |
Supporting Children with Disabilities (ADA) |
TBD |
|
19 |
CPR / First Aid (In-Person) |
TBD |
|
20 |
Background & Health Clearances |
TBD |
|
21 |
Facility Safety, Zoning & Fire Inspection Readiness |
TBD |
|
22 |
"Learning from Doers" – Panel |
TBD |
|
23 |
Final Application, Required Forms & Roadmap Recap |
TBD |
|
24 |
Marketing Class |
TBD |
|
25 |
Graduation Prep |
TBD |
|
26 |
Graduation Day (In-Person) |
TBD |
Meet our Trainers:
Anette Kaminski
Originally from Brazil, Anette has over ten years of experience in the United States and Latin America, particularly in the nonprofit sector, marked by work anchored on supporting entrepreneurs in developing and launching small businesses and accessing early-stage funding, particularly applying gender and race lenses.
She has designed and conducted entrepreneurship programs for business accelerators, foundations, international development agencies, educational institutions, public sector’s agencies, and companies with social and environmental responsibility programs
Anette brings to her work authentic expertise, keen observational insight, and experience with local society, culture, academia, businesses, media, politics, public policies, and civic sectors of Brazil, the United States, and Latin America; along with the ability to interpret these trends and translate them into innovative projects. She is fluent in several languages, and holds a Journalism degree from Brazil, and an International Relations and International Economics Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).
Charo Torres
Charo Torres is the Founder and Executive Director of the Latino Early Care and Education Coalition (LECEC) and has more than 15 years of experience supporting Spanish-speaking early childhood educators and family child care providers. Originally from Peru, Charo has dedicated much of her professional career to expanding access to resources, professional development, and opportunities for Spanish-speaking educators throughout Maryland.
Her work includes advocating for and representing the interests and needs of educators, designing and delivering bilingual workshops and trainings, and providing individualized coaching and mentorship to new and aspiring family child care providers as they navigate licensing, professional development, and the process of establishing successful child care programs.
Charo actively serves on state and local government committees and advisory groups focused on early childhood education, where she represents the needs and experiences of Spanish-speaking family child care providers and early childhood educators and contributes to broader conversations around policy, systems, and workforce development.
Charo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Texas at San Antonio.