EL CAMPITO INC
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Mission Statement
El Campito’s mission is to promote the educational, social, and economic success of culturally diverse children and their families. El Campito’s vision is that every child in St. Joseph County will have the opportunity to receive a high-quality early childhood education.
About This Cause
El Campito is a remarkable non-profit childcare center that has been serving the community since 1970. Founded by Concepcion and Ignacio Niño, El Campito initially catered to the children of migrant workers, earning its name from the concept of providing a safe haven for the kids while their parents worked in the fields. Over the years, El Campito expanded its services and currently focuses on supporting children from Spanish-speaking and low-income families. With a commitment to excellence, El Campito holds numerous credentials that highlight its dedication to providing high-quality care. The center is fully bilingual, holds the highest Level 4 Paths to Quality rating in Indiana's Quality Rating system, and is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), an accomplishment achieved by less than 10% of early childhood education centers nationwide. The center's journey began in the founders' home, gradually growing to occupy a second house and a small brick-and-mortar building. In 1986, El Campito found a permanent residence in St. Stephen's Church's former school building on Thomas Street, where it continues to operate to this day. El Campito takes great pride in its ability to offer the highest standard of care to individuals in the community who would otherwise lack access to such services. El Campito's curriculum, HighScope, aligns perfectly with its mission. This research-based approach focuses on the whole child, encourages curiosity, and emphasizes hands-on learning. The center's garden plays a crucial role in the curriculum, providing unique learning opportunities beyond the confines of the classroom. Interacting with nature has proven to be an effective building block for trauma-informed care, benefiting both children and adults. Moreover, during the challenging times of the pandemic, Mrs. Niño's Garden provided fresh produce to El Campito families and the wider community, fostering healthy eating habits and allowing families to reconnect with their cultural heritage through cooking. Engaging the school-aged children in seed starting further empowers them to participate in the food-growing process and develop valuable gardening skills. This long-term recall approach aligns with HighScope principles, promoting neurological growth and strengthening brain connections. El Campito's impact extends far beyond its walls, serving as a vital resource in South Bend's West Side and the Latino community. The center's growth and success would not have been possible without the support of generous sponsors. Their contributions have allowed El Campito to provide invaluable care and education to generations of children.