Starting a childcare program is both rewarding and challenging. For Koraima Ruiz, founder of her Reggio and Montessori-inspired, in-home preschool Arboleda Escuela in San Francisco, Wonderschool provided the tools and guidance needed to turn her dream into a successful and sustainable business.
Watch the full interview with Koraima Ruiz here.
Koraima Ruiz always knew she wanted to work with children. Her daycare combines Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies, offering a hands-on, exploratory learning environment. Located in San Francisco’s Portola District, the program is licensed for eight children, with plans to expand its offerings to include outdoor and indoor play areas.
“We’re located just a block away from McLaren Park, and we love spending hours outdoors. It’s great for the kids and the teachers,” Koraima shared.
Wonderschool has been instrumental in helping Koraima optimize her income while staying focused on what she loves—working with children.
Running a daycare can be overwhelming, especially in the beginning stages. Wonderschool has provided Koraima with invaluable peace of mind:
One of the most impactful tools Wonderschool provides is its comprehensive contract template, which has revolutionized how Koraima manages her daycare.
“The contract protects everything—it’s a game-changer. Wonderschool’s template saved me time and gave me clarity. It also taught me how to approach vacation days in a way that works for both me and the parents.”
Q: How did you first hear about Wonderschool, and what drew you to the platform?
Koraima: It was a challenging time. I hadn’t even opened my daycare because of personal family issues, and I was at a point where I was considering shutting it all down. I reached out to another provider, Annette, asking for advice on how to promote my daycare. She told me about Wonderschool, explaining how they help with promotion, contracts, and all the operational aspects of running a childcare business.
At first, I thought Wonderschool was just a tech tool for parent updates. But after attending a Wonderschool dinner in San Francisco, I realized it’s so much more. It’s a team that genuinely cares about helping providers succeed. That was a turning point for me.
Q: Tell us about Arboleda Escuela. What makes your program unique?
Koraima: Arboleda Escuela is my dream come to life. I’m passionate about childcare, and my philosophy merges the Reggio Emilia and Montessori approaches, creating a unique and enriching environment for kids.
I run a small daycare, licensed for eight children, and focus on a balance of three babies and three toddlers. We’re located in San Francisco’s Portola District, near McLaren Park, which is perfect because I value outdoor time. We spend hours each day outside, exploring, playing, and even having meals.
Indoors, we have a spacious facility, and I’m currently licensing areas for a garden, mud play zone, and an indoor playground. Everything about my program emphasizes free play and hands-on learning, allowing children to explore and grow at their own pace. Parents love it, and one of my proudest moments was when a parent from a renowned Reggio Emilia-inspired school enrolled her child with us!
My goal is to have six kids, three babies. We are located here in San Francisco. We found a home in Portola District, which is a block away from McLaren Park, which is awesome. We go there every day and we spend hours outdoors. Indoors is an awesome place.
Q: What challenges did you face when starting, and how did Wonderschool help you overcome them?
Koraima: The biggest challenge was navigating the business side of things—contracts, pricing, policies—all while trying to stay true to my vision. For example, I was told by resource and referral agencies that I couldn’t charge different rates for different schedules, which wasn’t true. Wonderschool helped me understand what I could do legally and guided me in setting fair, sustainable pricing.
They also provided me with a professional contract template, which was a lifesaver. Before Wonderschool, I spent weeks creating a 37-page contract on my own. Their 12-page contract covered everything I needed—and even things I hadn’t thought of—saving me time and making me look more professional to parents.
Q: How did attending Wonderschool’s event impact your perspective?
Koraima: The dinner was eye-opening. Before the event, I saw Wonderschool as a helpful app. After meeting other providers and hearing their success stories, my mindset completely shifted. I met Gloria, a provider who started small like me and is now buying properties for her business. It was inspiring to see what’s possible with the right support and vision.
My husband attended the event with me, and we left amazed. Wonderschool’s team made us feel like we weren’t alone in this journey. They handle the technical and administrative challenges, allowing me to focus on what I love—caring for kids. That sense of partnership gave me the confidence to dream bigger.
Q: Why is having a solid contract so important for childcare providers?
Koraima: A contract is the foundation of your business—it protects you and sets clear expectations for parents. When I created my original contract, I poured over 20 examples from other providers, but it was exhausting. Wonderschool’s contract template was a game-changer. It’s clear, concise, and professional, making it easier for parents to understand and for me to enforce policies.
For instance, I used to allow parents 10 vacation days without payment, but Wonderschool showed me how that could hurt my business. Now, my policies are fair but firm, ensuring stability for my program while meeting parents’ needs.
It was great for you guys to step in and say, "hey don't worry, do what you do, and d we do what we do. We work together like we divide the task to be successful." I feel what is wonderful is we divide the job and we work together and we're successful together. I can focus on what I love and Wonderschool has my back.
Q: How has Wonderschool impacted your financial situation?
Koraima: Wonderschool taught me how to price my services strategically. For example, I now charge higher rates for partial-week schedules, which has significantly increased my income. Even with just three children enrolled, I’m making more than I would with a traditional five-day setup.
It’s still a work in progress, but we’re finally able to breathe financially. My husband noticed the difference, joking that our bank account is “stretching its arms.” Wonderschool’s guidance has helped us move toward stability and growth.
Koraima: I'm not, good at tech, like computer contracts, all of that.
Q: What advice would you give to other childcare providers considering Wonderschool?
Koraima: Wonderschool is more than a service—it’s a true partnership. They let me focus on what I love while they handle the business side, from contracts to taxes to parent communication. Their support has been invaluable, and I can’t recommend them enough.
"Running a daycare can be overwhelming, but with Wonderschool, you don’t have to do it alone. They’ve given me the tools, confidence, and peace of mind to build a thriving business, and I’m excited about what’s ahead."
Q: What’s next for Arboleda Escuela?
Koraima: I’m focused on building a strong foundation with the children I currently have while working toward expanding. I’d love to eventually license the full facility and grow my program to serve more families. It’s a journey, but with Wonderschool’s support, I feel ready to take it one step at a time.
Q: Thank you, Koraima, for sharing your inspiring story. We’re proud to be part of your journey and can’t wait to see what’s next for you and Arboleda Escuela!
Koraima: Thank you! I’m so grateful for Wonderschool’s vision and support. Together, we’re creating something truly special for the children and families in our community.
Koraima’s success highlights the potential for childcare programs to drive community and economic growth. Platforms like Wonderschool enable providers to:
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