Childcare Provider Spotlight: KiddoGarden in Thousand Oaks, California
We are proud to introduce KiddoGarden Daycare,a women-owned business, client of Women’s Economic Ventures, and a graduate of their recent childcare accelerator program made possible by the Association of Women’s Business Centersin partnership with Stearns Bank.
About the Business
In Thousand Oaks, California, KiddoGarden Daycare is built on a simple but powerful mission: to create a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where children feel seen, supported, and able to thrive.
Founded by a mother entrepreneur, Parastoo Imani, KiddoGarden serves infants and young children ages 5 months to 5 years. The program operates as a licensed small family daycare, intentionally keeping enrollment limited to maintain a close-knit, home-like setting.
“I started KiddoGarden Daycare with a deep desire to create a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where children feel truly seen and supported,” Parastoo shared. “As a mother entrepreneur, I understand firsthand how important it is for families to find childcare they can trust.”
By maintaining a small group size, KiddoGarden is able to prioritize individualized attention and foster meaningful connections. The environment is designed to support children’s development not only academically, but also socially and emotionally, key foundations during early childhood.
What Makes KiddoGarden Unique
A defining strength of KiddoGarden is the personal connection built with each child and family. Operating as a small family daycare allows the provider to truly understand each child’s personality, strengths, and individual needs, and to support their development in a more personalized way.
“What makes my program special is the strong personal connection I build with each child and family,” she explained. “Because I operate a small family daycare, I can truly know each child — their personality, strengths, and needs — and support their development in a personalized way. Families appreciate the balance of structure, learning, and warmth that creates a sense of belonging.”
That sense of belonging is intentional. Families are not just enrolling their children in a program, they are joining a community where trust, consistency, and care are at the center of the experience.
The Joy and Impact of the Work
Beyond the structure and daily routines, the heart of KiddoGarden lies in the developmental milestones and everyday moments that mark early childhood growth.
“The greatest joy in my work comes from watching children grow in confidence and independence,” she shared. “Seeing a child take their first steps, learn new words, or proudly complete a new skill reminds me why this work matters. Being trusted by families during such an important stage of their child’s life is something I deeply value.”
These moments reflect not only the children’s progress, but also the supportive environment that makes such growth possible. For the provider, being part of these formative years—and earning the trust of families—is both a responsibility and a privilege.
Business Challenges
Before participating in the childcare accelerator, one of the biggest challenges was balancing the hands-on demands of running a high-quality childcare program while also building a strong business foundation.
While deeply committed to providing excellent care, Parastoo wanted clearer financial strategies, stronger systems, and a more intentional plan for sustainable growth. Like many small childcare providers, finding the time and structure to focus on business development alongside daily operations required additional support.
Growth Through the Childcare Accelerator
Through participation in a childcare accelerator program made possible by Women’s Economic Ventures, in partnership with the Association of Women’s Business Centers and Stearns Bank, KiddoGarden gained access to tools and guidance designed to strengthen childcare businesses.
“The most meaningful change I made in my business because of this program was developing a stronger strategic foundation,” Parastoo shared. “Through the process, I became more confident in financial planning, clarified my growth goals, and strengthened the systems that support both quality care and long-term sustainability.”
Berenize from Women’s Economic Ventures reflected on the broader impact of supporting childcare providers through programs like this:
“WEV began supporting childcare providers in 2021, and it’s been amazing to see their growth. We’ve worked with hundreds of providers, helped distribute thousands in funding, and witnessed the positive impact they have on their families and the economy. They are truly the backbone of their communities.”
Looking Ahead
Over the next 6–12 months, KiddoGarden is focused on strengthening its foundation while continuing to grow in a thoughtful and sustainable way. This includes refining systems, serving more families, and maintaining the high-quality, personalized care that defines the program.
“I’m proud to be building a childcare business that not only supports families but also reflects resilience, dedication, and long-term vision. As a small family daycare owner, this work is deeply personal to me, and I’m committed to creating a safe, nurturing space where children and families feel truly supported.”
Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) are a national network of over 140 locations dedicated to providing free and low-cost business counseling, training, and resources to entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Supported by public and private partners, WBCs help small business owners access the guidance, capital readiness support, and connections they need to start, sustain, and grow their businesses. Find a WBC near you.
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