An Entrepreneur Fulfilling Her Dream of Serving Working Families

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The story of Adelina Arnold and Mom’s House Learning Center is not a coincidence of success. It’s the result of two decades of perseverance, vision, and a heartfelt commitment to serving the Latino community in Colorado.

The recent expansion of Mom’s House Academy in Thornton marks a new chapter in that journey — one that not only doubles the center’s childcare capacity but also stands as an inspiring example of how discipline, leadership, and love for the community can turn a personal dream into a lasting legacy.

From a Family Home to a Community Landmark

Adelina’s story began in 2002 in Los Angeles, California, where she first opened a small childcare program in her home. Her goal was simple yet profound: to support working parents with demanding schedules while ensuring that children could learn in a warm, family-centered environment.

“I’ve been in childcare for 20 years,” Adelina recalls. “I started in Los Angeles and eventually had three centers there. My focus has always been helping working families while making sure children learn with love and feel at home.”

In 2012, Adelina and her family moved to Colorado, first settling in Colorado Springs before relocating to Thornton. It was there that she and her daughter Arianne began to formalize their vision, building a professional childcare program rooted in love, education, and faith. Over time, their dedication laid the foundation for the thriving learning community that exists today.

Leadership with Heart

The steady growth of Mom’s House is deeply connected to Adelina’s compassionate leadership style. She is known for prioritizing the well-being of her staff as much as that of the children.

“Our teachers work eight hours a day — no more,” Adelina explains. “We respect their personal time because we want them to have a good quality of life. When teachers are happy and rested, they take better care of our children.”

Her approach to hiring also reflects her values. Beyond credentials, Adelina looks for empathy and kindness. “I don’t hire just anyone,” she says with a smile. “I ask my team how they feel treated, what they receive from us, and how they treat others. We value emotional connection — with coworkers, the children, and the parents. Sometimes we even go camping together to build team spirit.”

A New Chapter in Thornton

That spirit of teamwork and purpose came to life once again on August 15, with the grand opening of Mom’s House Academy — a brand-new facility featuring eleven classrooms and space for 150 children. Together with the original center, Mom’s House can now welcome up to 248 students across both locations.

The celebration brought together city officials and community leaders, including Thornton Mayor Jan Kulmann and Peruvian Consul Pedro Pablo Delgado, who described the achievement as “a true example of the American Dream fulfilled.”

The new academy was designed for working families, offering extended hours from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Its greatest strengths lie not only in capacity but in its bilingual educational approach, transparency, and focus on safety. Parents receive daily updates on their children’s progress through digital tools, and a secure open-door policy allows them to visit anytime using personalized access codes.

Recognized for Quality and Care

Mom’s House Learning Center recently received an outstanding rating from Colorado Shines, the state’s official childcare quality system. It’s a recognition that reflects the hard work and dedication of every teacher and staff member.

“It was a big accomplishment for us,” Adelina shares proudly. “We’re always learning and improving, because every child deserves the best start possible.”

Parents see the results every day. Families like Emily García’s, who has two children enrolled, notice a difference: “My kids have made amazing progress — socially, emotionally, and academically. They truly feel at home here.”

Guided by Faith

Beyond structure, safety, and academic quality, Mom’s House stands on a strong spiritual foundation. Adelina defines it as a Christian Educational Center, where faith is woven into the daily rhythm of learning and care.

“For us, it’s not just about teaching numbers and letters,” she explains. “It’s about nurturing hearts, building values, and helping families grow together.”