Walking into Rivera's Bilingual Preschool & Childcare feels a bit like stepping into a big, joyful family gathering. Children laugh, play, and rush to proudly show off their sparkly pink shoes, blue sneakers, and even shoes that light up with each step. Amid the chorus of tiny voices asking endless curious questions, the warm atmosphere is immediately clear—this is a place where kids thrive and educators love what they do.

Preschool teachers - Paula & Rita in one of their classrooms

Ana Rivera founded her preschool Promise back in 2022, initially operating from her home's basement in The Dalles. It was cozy, but the need for quality childcare and bilingual preschool education quickly grew beyond her walls. Today, Ana’s preschool has blossomed into a vibrant learning space hosted at a local church, complete with expansive grassy areas, safe playgrounds, and bright, cheerful classrooms adorned with colorful bilingual educational materials.

"It feels amazing to see how far we've come," Ana shares with a proud yet humble smile. "Childcare is my passion. The kids deserve quality, kindness, and patience—and that's exactly what we offer here."

Teachers Paula Flores and Rita echo Ana’s commitment and enthusiasm. Paula, who joined Ana over two years ago, reflects on her personal growth: "I started working here without much background in early childhood education. Ana encouraged me to pursue my college courses and allowed me space to become my own kind of teacher. I love working one-on-one with the kids, seeing their smiles, and knowing we're making a difference."

Rita, who has extensive preschool experience, beams when talking about the bilingual program. "It's incredible," she says. "Seeing the kids seamlessly transition from English to Spanish—singing songs, sharing stories—is truly special. They're learning two languages naturally, right when their minds are most open."

Both teachers appreciate the nurturing environment Ana fosters. Paula explains how important patience and tenderness are when working with young children. "You need patience to the power of 25," she laughs, referring to the number of children in their care. She adds, "Ana creates a culture where we genuinely feel supported. We're able to connect deeply with each child, making sure their individual needs are met."

Rita also highlights how Ana’s leadership allows teachers to grow professionally. "Working here has let me be myself and develop my own style of teaching," she says warmly. "Ana trusts us, provides the resources we need, and always encourages us to grow. It makes teaching here deeply rewarding."

But despite their successes, Ana and her team face challenges common to early childhood education: staffing shortages and demanding parent interactions. While support from local organizations like Childcare Partners provides training and resources, the need for qualified preschool educators remains pressing.

Preschool teacher Paula Flores working with students

Ana candidly discusses the emotional toll of managing a preschool. "Every educator here wears multiple hats," she explains. "Sometimes, after dealing with a challenging situation, I have to remind myself to walk back into the classroom with positivity because we're models for these kids. It’s tough, but seeing the children flourish makes every challenge worth it."

Ana Rivera’s Bilingual Preschool is a Preschool Promise provider, a state-funded program that makes preschool accessible to more families. Ana currently has ten funded slots and hopes to secure more. "Our waiting list keeps growing. The demand is clear—we desperately need more quality childcare options in The Dalles," she adds.

For families looking to enroll or learn more about preschool opportunities, Ana recommends visiting Four Rivers Family at their Preschool Connection page: https://fourriversfamily.org/preschool-connection.

Find other childcare options with Preschool Promise Programs here

As Ana and her dedicated team continue nurturing The Dalles' youngest learners, their community of happy, bilingual preschoolers proves every day that compassion and commitment create environments where children don't just grow—they thrive.

Learn More about Rivera’s Bilingual Preschool and Childcare here: https://fourriversfamily.org/riveras-preschool