Affordable, Play-Based Childcare That Honors Childhood and Uplifts Families
A new approach to early childhood education in East Dallas with bilingual learning, outdoor exploration, and a commitment to equity
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We are a 501(c)(3) organization rooted in equity, nature, and community care.
- Serving children 2 to 5 years old
- Small classes. Big discoveries.
- Families pay on a sliding scale based on income
Come Grow With Us
Families:
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For Supporters:
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We Are Reimagining What Early Childhood Can Look Like
At Bella Gardens, we raise children the way we tend a garden—with intention, care, and community. This is more than a preschool. It is a bilingual space where families feel supported, teachers are respected, and children are free to grow through play, connection, and joy.
What If Early Education Could Change Everything?
At Bella Gardens, we believe every child deserves a peaceful and joyful place to grow. But for many families, especially in communities like East Dallas, access to affordable and nurturing early care is out of reach.
We see this as an opportunity.
By building a model that centers community, equity, and care, Bella Gardens is planting the seeds for something different. A classroom where childhood is protected. A workplace where educators are valued. A village that supports families as they learn and grow together.
What Makes Our Model Different
Monthly workshops that support the whole family; covering parenting, finances, literacy, and more
Teachers are supported with fair wages, planning time, and a peaceful work environment
Our sliding scale ensures access without compromising quality
Outdoor learning and nature play are built into our daily rhythm
Our vision is built to grow and expand into other communities across Texas
We are creating a foundation for lifelong impact.
A place where nature, community, and childhood come together
Bella Gardens has officially found its home at Owenwood Farm and Neighbor Space, a vibrant community hub in the heart of East Dallas.
Surrounded by gardens, green space, and creative energy, this setting allows us to bring our nature based approach to life. Children will learn and grow with their hands in the soil, their feet in the grass, and their imaginations rooted in wonder.
Located in one of Dallas's childcare deserts, Owenwood is more than just a location. It is a community partner that shares our vision of equity, access, and joy for every family.
This is where the seeds of Bella Gardens are being planted.
The Bella Gardens Experience
We do not believe in rushing childhood. Instead, we create calm and connected learning environments where children have the space to thrive, explore, and grow at their own pace.
Our classrooms are thoughtfully designed to nurture curiosity, creativity, and emotional well-being while keeping families and teachers supported every step of the way.
- A one to four teacher to child ratio with no more than nine children in a class
- A Montessori and Waldorf inspired curriculum focused on play and exploration
- Culinary exploration that includes snack preparation and baking
- Gardening and caring for animals
- Daily outdoor learning and nature based play
- Mindfulness activities that support emotional development
- A bilingual classroom in Spanish and English
- Monthly parent workshops focused on wellness, growth, and connection
Interested in joining Bella Gardens Family?
We are now building our waitlist for families in East Dallas.
JOIN THE WAITLIST >
My Background in Education >
I am a mother, educator, and community advocate. I started Bella Gardens because I wanted something different for my own children. At first, I dreamed of creating a Spanish immersion preschool where they could learn and grow with intention.
But after years of navigating inconsistent care, working in under-resourced schools, and experiencing the challenges so many families face, my vision began to grow.
Bella Gardens was born from both necessity and love. It is a response to the gaps I saw and felt as both a parent and a professional. With over 15 years of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, and family advocacy, I am building a model that puts children first, supports families, and gives caregivers the respect, support, and stability they deserve.
This is not just about my children anymore. It is about all of us.
MEET ERIKA >
Meet The Founder
Want to connect or collaborate
I would love to hear from you
CONTACT ERIKA >
Hola, I’m Erika!
My Background in Education >
- Bachelor's in Elementary Education, with specialization in ESL
- Masters in Humanities with a concentration in Psychology from the University of Dallas
- Montessori Assistant for toddlers with over six years of experience in early childhood
- ESL Generalist (EC–4), EC–6 Generalist, and Family and Consumer Sciences certified
- Completed AMI Montessori 0-3 Orientation with MINT
- Former high school educator in Family and Consumer Sciences
- Experienced in nonprofit leadership, advocacy, grant writing, and fundraising
- Advisor and past cochair of Latinas in Progress with the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas
- Participant in the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University
- Graduate of Wonderschool Academy and the Mujeres de Hace program
- Lifelong Spanish language learner and passionate about cultural connection through education
MEET ERIKA >
Meet The Founder
Want to connect or collaborate
I would love to hear from you
CONTACT ERIKA >
WHO WE SERVE
A community for families who believe childhood should feel like sunshine
Bella Gardens is here for the families who want more than just a place to drop off their child. We are here for the dreamers, the nurturers, the parents who believe in slowing down and choosing care that aligns with their values. Our community is made up of families who want their children to feel seen, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are.
If you are searching for a space that honors culture, protects childhood, and makes learning feel joyful, you just might be in the right place.
This is the right place for you if...
You believe children deserve time to play, explore, and be little
You want a program that includes bilingual learning and cultural representation
You value outdoor play and connection to nature
You are looking for flexible and affordable early education
You are curious about new ways to support your child’s growth
You believe in supporting whole families, not just the students
And if you believe gardens and children grow best with sunlight, care, and room to breathe, this is the place for you
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Our Long-Term Vision
Our First Year Goals
Our Vision for Growth
Our Vision for Growth
Building roots in East Dallas and planting seeds for change across Texas
At Bella Gardens, we are not just opening a preschool. We are creating a model that can transform early childhood education for communities across Texas. Our first location is just the beginning. With your support, we can expand access to high quality, nature based, bilingual care that uplifts families, values teachers, and protects the beauty of childhood.
Here is what we are growing together:
Our Long-Term Vision
Our First Year Goals
Our Vision for Growth
Our First Year Goals
- Open Bella Gardens at Owenwood Farm and Neighbor Space in East Dallas
- Serve an initial group of children in a calm, nurturing, bilingual classroom
- Hire an assistant teacher to expand enrollment and increase care options
- Launch monthly workshops for parents focused on wellness, growth, and community
Our Long-Term Vision
Our First Year Goals
Our Vision for Growth
Our Long-Term Vision
- Create an incubator program that trains future childcare providers to launch their own small centers
- Document and refine our model to make it replicable in other communities
- Expand to offer a second class and eventually purchase land to deepen our nature based approach
- Inspire a movement of accessible, equitable early childhood education led by community voices
With every child we nurture and every family we support, we are building a future that honors childhood and strengthens communities from the ground up.
Help Us Grow This Vision
Download our pitch deck to learn more about how you can support Bella Gardens or make an impact today with a donation.
DOWNLOAD OUR PITCH DECK >
DONATE NOW >
“When we protect childhood and support caregivers, we transform communities.”
Your support helps sustain our nonprofit mission to expand equitable early education in East Dallas
There are many ways you can help bring this vision to life:
Get Involved and Help Us Grow
Donate to help us open our doors
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Sponsor a caregiver or a child
SPONSORSHIP APPLICATION >
Share our story with your community and spread the word. Follow us on social media
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Contact us for partnership opportunities ar more information about Bella Gardens
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Learn more about our model, our mission, and how you can help us bring it to life
DOWNLOAD OUR PITCH DECK >
“Together, we can grow something beautiful that lasts for generations.”
Join Our Community
Be the first to hear about our progress, events, and ways to support Bella Gardens.
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Join Our Community
Be the first to hear about our progress, events, and ways to support Bella Gardens.
