Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Van Dyke.
Hi Maria, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2001, I opened my first home daycare, a place where I could nurture not only my own kids but also the little ones from our community while sharing with them the beauty of a new language — Spanish. Those early days were filled with laughter, songs, and the joy of seeing children grow, learn, and embrace a second language in a warm, loving environment. I started my school from a simple but powerful desire — to contribute to my family’s income while still being present for my children during their most important years. My children have been with me since the very beginning; in fact, they were my first little clients and helpers. Today, I have the joy of working alongside my daughter, Dominique Van Dyke, who serves as the School Director and Montessori Guide for Casa de Niños. It is incredibly rewarding to share this passion for education with her and to see our vision for nurturing young minds carried forward together.
As word spread, our little program blossomed. We grew from 6 to 9 to 12 students, and soon we reached our licensed capacity with a growing waitlist of families wanting to join. That’s when we took a leap of faith and opened our first Child Care Center in Clawson at the Hunter Community Center.
We’ve been part of the Hunter community ever since, and in 2020, we proudly opened our second location in Midtown Detroit. Witnessing the city’s beautiful growth and revitalization inspired me to become a part of Detroit’s future. I also knew that many of our families were driving to Clawson every day because they felt there were limited options for high-quality childcare within the city. That motivated me to find a location that could serve these families closer to home.
Thankfully, we discovered the stunning St. Paul Cathedral, which quickly became our second home. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to do what we love most — guiding young minds, fostering kindness, and helping children discover the joy of learning through Spanish.
In September 2025, we joyfully opened our third location in a beautiful new building in Royal Oak. What began as one mom’s dream — to create a nurturing, bilingual environment where children feel loved and inspired — has grown into a thriving community of families, teachers, and children, all learning and growing together.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Our school has grown very organically since its early days, built on the love and dedication of our teachers and families. Our biggest challenge came in 2020, when, due to COVID-19, both of our landlords had to close the centers for an extended period. It was a difficult time for everyone, but we persevered, knowing how much our children and families depended on us.
Today, we face new challenges. Some families are choosing free preschool programs, and we are also navigating staffing difficulties. Many of our incredible teachers work under work visas that have yet to be renewed. Even though they are legally residing in the U.S., they cannot work until their visas are approved. The delays have been long.
Despite these obstacles, our staff remains committed, and our hearts remain full. Every day, we continue to provide a warm, loving, and stimulating environment for the children in our care.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Spanish for Toddlers, LLC?
Our school offers a Spanish immersion program for children ages 3 months to 6 years, and is one of the few schools in the U.S. that combines the Montessori philosophy with language immersion education.
In our program, Spanish is woven into all activities, allowing your child to naturally learn the language while practicing essential early childhood educational concepts.
The curriculum also includes group activities that make learning Spanish fun through songs, movement, and games.
This program is designed for children with or without prior knowledge of Spanish, ensuring all students can participate and thrive.
Class Schedule:
Classes are available Monday through Friday, with a minimum of three days per week.
Morning sessions: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Extended care: 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., available by arrangement.
Our goal is to provide a nurturing, engaging, and culturally rich environment where children develop academically, socially, and linguistically through the magic of Spanish immersion.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I would like to see more language immersion programs emerging across the U.S. While English remains the most widely spoken language globally, research shows that young children can learn additional languages naturally and joyfully at an early age.
Bilingual children often demonstrate stronger academic performance, enhanced problem-solving skills, increased creativity, and greater cultural awareness. Learning a second language not only provides the lifelong gift of communicating with more people but also supports stronger English skills and has been linked to higher test scores later in school.
I believe that expanding access to immersion programs can help more children develop these valuable cognitive, social, and cultural skills from an early age.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Spanishfortoddlers.com
- Instagram: @SPANISHFORTODDLERSPRESCHOOL
- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/spanishimmersion.sft
