Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month: The Impact of Child Care Business Coaches Irma Hernandez & Vanessa Tarantino 

At Children’s Council of San Francisco, child care providers are the heart of San Francisco’s neighborhoods. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, also honored by many as Latino or Latinx Heritage Month — we’re celebrating the strength, resilience and contributions of Children’s Council’s Latino Business Coaches and Educators who ensure children have safe, nurturing and enriching spaces to grow and thrive. 

Two leaders in this work are Irma Hernandez and Vanessa Tarantino, Child Care Business Coaches who have dedicated themselves to supporting Spanish-speaking providers across the city. Irma’s 28 years of service and Vanessa’s 7 years with the agency demonstrate their long-standing commitment to guiding providers through every step of their Family Child Care Business journey.

Over the past four years, Irma and Vanessa have supported hundreds of providers, helping them navigate licensing, strengthen their businesses and expand the supply of quality child care in San Francisco. Irma and Vanessa host “Talks” for those interested in becoming licensed, deliver the Family Child Care Fundamentals and Fundamentals 2.0 series, offer one-on-one coaching and walk providers through the licensing application process — a journey that can feel overwhelming without support. 

One story that reflects Irma and Vanessa’s dedication is that of Carmen Jimenez. Carmen, an Early Childhood Educator with 18 years of experience, dreamed of opening her own family child care home in San Francisco. With encouragement from Irma and Vanessa, she took her first steps by attending Fundamentals and beginning her licensing process. The path wasn’t easy; in the early stages Carmen faced setbacks, including a robbery at her child care business. Through each challenge, Irma and Vanessa were by Carmen’s side; they helped her replace materials, create child file packets and prepare for licensing visits, all while celebrating each small victory and helping her stay on track toward her dream of receiving her Family Child Care license. Since 2023, she has run her own program in San Francisco’s Tenderloin area, providing care and stability to families in her community and a safe haven for young children. She plans to expand her child care hours to further meet the needs of the families she serves. 

Carmen’s success story is one of many. Alicia Lopez represents another provider who has benefited from the support of Children’s Council’s Child Care Business Coaches. Alicia came to Children’s Council to obtain her Family Child Care License. With experience as an Early Child Care Assistant Teacher and a genuine passion for working with children, Alicia saw this opportunity as a chance to build a program while also caring for her 3-year-old child, Itzel. Irma has supported Alicia by sharing resources and other guidance offered by coaching sessions and workshops, which led to Alicia’s enrollment in Children’s Council’s newest program: Family, Friends and Neighbors (FFN). 

Alicia is self-motivated to continue learning. “Even when we already know about child care,” Alicia said, “it’s good to refresh our knowledge…The training I have received from Children’s Council [with Irma] has been invaluable.” The Incubator team has had the pleasure of connecting with Alicia and other FFN’s like her who are inspiring and passionate about caring for our smallest San Francisco residents. Through their care, engagement and encouragement, they create a supportive environment that nurtures children’s development and strengthens their skills.  

Carmen and Alicia represent the countless educators lifted up by our Business Coaches’ mentorship. During Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the entire Latino community that makes up a large portion of our staff and providers. Their commitment strengthens families and continues to build a more equitable San Francisco for all.