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<p>Attention Latina women: If you would like to have a second opportunity by starting your own child care business at home, Southwestern College has a perfect program for you.</p>
<p>It’s the Microenterprise Family Childcare, a free professional training program in Spanish that helps Latinas start their own childcare business in their own homes while getting their state license.</p>
<p>For the past seven years, the program has offered advancement opportunities to hundreds of women who have become independent, self-sufficient, and above all, have increased their self-esteem.</p>
<p>Such is the case of Patricia Cedeño, a program graduate who is a single mother to seven children and who during her youth had very low self-esteem due to her dysfunctional family background. “This program has helped me realize that I can, and I will, have a better life for me and my family,” Cedeño said. “I know that economically this is going to change our lives and will help us overcome many problems.”</p>
<p>All coursework, which is in Spanish, takes place in the Southwestern College Higher Education Center in National City. Low to mid income persons are eligible. Students take Child Development & Business Non Credit courses. Most licensing fees are covered. Program services include Business, Counseling, Mentor Program, CPR/First Aid, etc. Childcare is available.</p>
<p>It includes an intensive schedule, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the semester. To apply, you need to attend an information session.</p>
<p>The next information sessions will be on July 5 and 23 (you only need to attend one session) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Southwestern College, Higher Education Center in National City, 880 National City Blvd., in National City (corner of National City Blvd. and 8th St.).</p>
<p>Reservations are required to attend, please call (619) 216-6672.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, Fall semester will be the last time this program is offered, due to education budget cuts.</p>
<p>“This program is a great benefit for our community and unfortunately funds are ending soon,” said Ivette Rodriguez, a program coordinator. “That’s why we want our community to learn about this unique opportunity of advancement.”<br>
More than anything, this program offers women a chance of a better future.</p>
<p>“Not long ago, I saw all of this as a very far away dream,” said Cedeño, a program graduate. “But now I can almost touch it, I see it in front of me, it is a reality. Nothing is impossible. Now I have hope.”</p>