Carolina Reyes, a passionate advocate for early childhood education, has dedicated much of her career to improving childcare and supporting immigrant families. A Laurel resident, Reyes is a member-at-large and chair of advocacy for the Maryland State Child Care Association (MSCCA), a nonprofit organization focused on the growth and development of licensed childcare centers. She has also supported numerous pieces of legislation aimed at improving early childhood education.
Reyes is firm in her belief that education doesn’t begin in kindergarten. “Education starts much earlier,” she said, emphasizing the importance of early learning.
In 2013, Reyes founded Arco Iris Bilingual Children’s Center (AIBCC), initially created as a space for her daughters to grow and thrive. She envisioned a preschool where immigrant children could learn both their native language and cultural traditions—a gift she considers vital for children’s development.
AIBCC was the first bilingual preschool in Prince George’s County, offering a Spanish immersion program for children ages 2 and 3, and a bilingual class for 4- and 5-year-olds. Reyes is a strong advocate for bilingualism, noting its many cognitive and social benefits. “Bilingualism improves memory, cognitive development, and promotes multicultural awareness, higher academic achievement, and emotional growth,” she said. “It also offers better career opportunities in a globalized world.”
The school, located on Greenview Drive, currently enrolls 45 students. Its curriculum includes a range of activities, from arts and crafts to math and physical education, all designed to promote well-rounded development.
Diana Villatoro, a teacher at AIBCC for over three years, described her work as highly rewarding, particularly in her interactions with the children. “We’re very happy to be part of the growth,” Villatoro said. “Every year, more families are interested in joining the school because of Mrs. Carolina’s vision.”
Reyes believes that parents play a crucial role in their children’s education and that schools like AIBCC are there to support them. “I want families to see that we are dedicated educators,” she said. “We invest in professional development to help their children succeed, but without parental involvement, it’s difficult to make it work.”
Christina Peusch, executive director of MSCCA, praised Reyes for her commitment to improving childcare policy. “Carolina is a passionate advocate who is always looking for ways to drive positive change,” Peusch said. “Her business experience and participation have been vital in strengthening Maryland’s child care scholarship program.”
State Delegate Jared Solomon (District 18) also recognized Reyes’s efforts. “Carolina’s work in childcare policy has been invaluable,” Solomon said. “She’s not only an expert but also an important partner who provides accurate and essential information to lawmakers.”
Reyes’s journey into childcare began in her native Chile, where she worked with children at an orphanage during the dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet. She immigrated to the United States in 1998, where she continued her advocacy for children’s rights and education.
Reflecting on her work, Reyes emphasized the importance of sharing personal experiences to drive change. “Advocacy is about changing perspectives, whether by sharing your story or helping others understand an issue,” she said.
Through her work with AIBCC and MSCCA, Carolina Reyes remains a tireless advocate for early childhood education and bilingualism, striving to create a lasting impact on both her community and the broader education landscape.
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