Today we’d like to introduce you to Dulce Martinez.
Hi Dulce, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Mon Petit Learning Center started as a shared dream between my sisters and me. We wanted to create a space where children could feel loved, inspired, and free to explore the world around them, a place that truly honored their voices and individuality. In 2014, that dream became Mon Petit Learning Center. What began as a small family endeavor has grown into a nationally recognized, NAEYC-accredited program grounded in the Reggio Emilia philosophy and dedicated to nurturing the whole child.
My personal journey in education began in 2004 at a magnet school in the Aldine Independent School District, and soon after, I discovered my passion for early childhood education while teaching at De Santiago Early Childhood Center. It was there that I discovered how deeply the environment influences a child’s development, how the classroom itself can be a “third teacher.” That philosophy continues to guide my work today.
In 2010, I was honored to be named Teacher of the Year and SHABE Bilingual Teacher of the Year, and later recognized by Phi Kappa Phi for academic excellence. I earned both my Master of Arts in Teaching (Curriculum & Instruction) and Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with honors from the University of Houston–Downtown, and I’m a Texas Certified Educator in Early Childhood through 4th Grade.
The journey of building Mon Petit hasn’t always been easy; it has taken resilience, grit, and a deep commitment to advocating for high-quality childcare. Balancing family, business, and the pursuit of excellence has required perseverance, but every challenge has strengthened our purpose.
Beyond my work at Mon Petit, I’m proud to serve on the Early REACH Advisory Committee, where I collaborate with local leaders and advocates to elevate the quality of early childhood education across our region. This role allows me to contribute to meaningful conversations around access, equity, and continuous quality improvement values that align closely with our mission at Mon Petit.
Over the years, Mon Petit has grown from a few classrooms into a thriving Reggio Emilia–inspired school that embraces creativity, play, and relationships at its core. We’ve worked hard to align with the highest standards of quality through programs like Texas Rising Star, Early REACH, United Way Bright Beginnings, and now, we’re proudly NAEYC Accredited.
Today, Mon Petit stands as more than a school it’s a reflection of our family’s values: love for children, dedication to education, and the belief that learning should always be joyful. We are proud to be a model of what passionate educators, strong families, and intentional environments can achieve together.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has strengthened our purpose. One of our biggest obstacles has been standing out as a high-quality program in a city filled with childcare centers. Houston has an abundance of early learning options, and while that’s a good thing for families, it can make it difficult for programs like ours, those deeply rooted in quality, intentionality, and relationship-based learning, to be recognized for what truly sets us apart.
Balancing growth, maintaining high standards, and earning the community’s trust has required persistence, dedication, and commitment to advancing quality early education. Over time, our consistency and heart paid off. Families began to see and feel the difference in our approach, from the warmth of our classrooms to the depth of our curriculum and partnerships through Early REACH, Texas Rising Star, and United Way Bright Beginnings, which helped us amplify our mission.
Each obstacle has become a lesson in resilience and a reminder of why we started to model what high-quality early learning truly looks like and to ensure every child experiences a joyful, meaningful start to lifelong learning.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I began my journey in education after graduating to become a school teacher, a profession that immediately felt like my calling. For ten years, I dedicated myself to teaching in Aldine ISD, where I built meaningful relationships with students and families and worked to create classrooms filled with curiosity, joy, and belonging. During that time, I was honored to receive Teacher of the Year and SHABE Bilingual Teacher of the Year, recognitions that reinforced my passion for excellence and advocacy in early education.
What I’m most proud of is leading Mon Petit to become NAEYC Accredited, a reflection of our ongoing commitment to the highest standards of quality. Beyond that, I take great pride in mentoring teachers, partnering with families, and serving on the Early REACH Advisory Committee, where I help advocate for excellence and equity in early childhood programs across our community.
What sets us apart is our deep belief that early education is not just preparation for school, it’s the foundation for life. At Mon Petit, every interaction, environment, and relationship is designed with purpose, love, and respect for each child’s unique potential.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is making a lasting impact in the lives of children, families, and educators through high-quality early childhood education. I believe the early years are the foundation for everything that follows, not just academically, but socially and emotionally. Every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and capable, and that sense of belonging begins in a nurturing, intentional environment.
This belief is what led me to pursue my Master of Arts in Teaching, where I focused my thesis on the key variables that define high-quality childcare centers. Through that research, I was able to connect theory with practice, aligning my academic work with my day-to-day experiences at Mon Petit Learning Center. It was a demanding season of study, leadership, and reflection, but I was able to commit wholeheartedly thanks to the incredible support of my sisters and family, who have always shared this vision and walked beside me every step of the way.
Ever since I began my career in Aldine ISD, my goal has always been to make a meaningful difference, to inspire, to serve, and to elevate what early education can be. I carry that same passion into everything I do today. I’m deeply grateful for every person who has believed in me, from my mentors in those early teaching years to the families and educators who now trust Mon Petit as a place of growth and excellence. At the heart of it all, what drives me is a passion for enriching children’s learning and a deep belief that high-quality education can change lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.monpetitlearningcenter.com
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/monpetitlearningcenter/
