top of page

About Us

school_edited.jpg

Little Hearts Child Development Center proudly opened its doors on February 14, 2012—a date chosen not only because it is Valentine's Day, but because it beautifully reflects the heart-centered mission and values upon which our center was founded.

The name Little Hearts was inspired by Dr. Roberto Villarreal, a respected Pediatric Cardiologist and the founder of Little Hearts Child Development Center. Throughout his career, Dr. Villarreal dedicated his life to caring for the hearts of children, both medically and emotionally. His vision extended beyond healthcare, recognizing that nurturing a child's education and development is just as important as caring for their physical well-being.

Today, we proudly continue Dr. Roberto Villarreal's legacy by providing a safe, loving, and enriching environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Our commitment is to support every child's social, emotional, physical, and academic development while partnering with families to build a strong foundation for lifelong success.

At Little Hearts Child Development Center, we believe that every child deserves to be surrounded by compassion, encouragement, and opportunities to discover their full potential. We are honored to continue Dr. Villarreal's vision by touching little hearts, inspiring young minds, and making a lasting difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.

"Where We Touch Hearts and Build Minds." ❤️

ISIMG-111.jpg.jpeg
Our Director
Issa J. Guerra

Owner & Director

Welcome to Little Hearts Child Development Center!

My name is Issa J. Guerra, and it is both an honor and a privilege to serve as the Owner and Director of Little Hearts Child Development Center. What began as a career quickly became my life's purpose—a calling to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and the families who trust us with their greatest treasures.

Little Hearts Child Development Center was founded on February 14, 2012, by Dr. Roberto Villarreal, whose vision was rooted in caring for the little hearts of our community. I was fortunate to be part of that vision from the very beginning, joining the center as a toddler teacher and office administrator when our doors first opened.

My journey in early childhood education continued at Kinder Club Learning Center, where I served as a Toddler Teacher and Texas Rising Star Preschool Teacher. In 2015, I earned my Texas Child Care Director's License and was promoted to Director, allowing me to grow not only as an educator but as a leader dedicated to building high-quality early childhood programs.

In May 2021, following Dr. Villarreal's retirement, I was deeply honored to continue his legacy by becoming the owner of Little Hearts Child Development Center. It is a responsibility that I hold close to my heart every day.

As a lifelong resident of Laredo and a mother, I understand the trust families place in us when they choose a childcare program. That trust is something I never take for granted. Every decision we make is guided by one simple question:

"Is this what is best for the children?"

Teaching has always been my greatest passion. I believe that every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where they feel loved, respected, and encouraged to become confident learners. Our goal is not simply to prepare children for kindergarten—we strive to help them build character, confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

At Little Hearts, we are committed to providing a structured, educational environment that supports each child's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development while recognizing that every child grows at their own unique pace.

Nothing brings me greater joy than watching our students reach new milestones, develop meaningful friendships, and discover the confidence to believe in themselves. Those moments are what inspire me every single day.

I look forward to getting to know your family, building a strong partnership together, and creating a positive early childhood experience filled with love, learning, and lasting memories.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your child's journey.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Issa J. Guerra
Owner & Director

Little Hearts Child Development Center

"Where We Touch Hearts and Build Minds." ❤️

Why Choose Us
entrance.JPG

Why Families Choose Little Hearts

  • ❤️ Loving & Nurturing Environment

  • 📚 Research-Based Curriculum

  • 🌟 Texas Rising Star Participating Program

  • 👩‍🏫 Experienced & Caring Educators

  • 🛡️ Safe & Secure Facility

  • 🥗 Nutritious USDA Meals

  • 🌎 Bilingual Learning Opportunities

  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Partnerships

  • 🎨 Hands-On Learning

  • 🎓 Kindergarten Readiness

  • 💙 Serving Children from Birth (0 Months) to 12 Years

  • 💳 Private Pay, CCS, FEEA & TEFA Accepted

Get to Know Us

Choosing an early childhood education program is one of the most important decisions a family can make. At Little Hearts Child Development Center, we understand the trust parents place in us each day, and we consider it both an honor and a privilege to care for and educate your child.

Our mission extends far beyond providing childcare—we are committed to creating a loving, safe, and enriching environment where every child is encouraged to explore, discover, and grow with confidence. We believe every child is unique and deserves individualized care, meaningful learning experiences, and the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

As a licensed Early Childhood Education and Child Development Center, we are dedicated to providing a strong educational foundation through developmentally appropriate curriculum, hands-on learning experiences, structured routines, and purposeful play. Our classrooms are designed to nurture each child's social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development, preparing them not only for kindergarten but for lifelong success.

We are proud to be a Texas Rising Star participating program, demonstrating our commitment to providing a level of quality that goes beyond Texas minimum licensing standards. Through continuous professional development, family partnerships, engaging learning environments, and best practices in early childhood education, we continually strive to provide the highest quality care and educational experiences for every child.

Our caring team of educators is carefully selected for their professionalism, compassion, and genuine love for children. Every staff member completes ongoing training, maintains CPR and First Aid certification, and is committed to creating a classroom where children feel safe, respected, encouraged, and excited to learn each day.

We proudly serve children from birth (0 months) through 12 years of age, offering:

  • Infant Care

  • Wobbler Program

  • Toddler Program

  • Preschool

  • Pre-Kindergarten

  • Before & After School Care

  • Drop-In Care

  • Summer Enrichment Program

To ensure that high-quality early education is accessible to more families within our community, we proudly accept Private Pay, Child Care Services (CCS), FEEA, and TEFA tuition assistance programs.

The safety and well-being of every child entrusted to our care remains our highest priority. Our facility is equipped with multiple layers of security, including controlled-access entrances, secured classroom entry, continuous video surveillance throughout the building and playgrounds, and comprehensive emergency preparedness procedures. Parents can have peace of mind knowing their children are learning in a secure environment where safety is always at the forefront of everything we do.

At Little Hearts, we believe that families are our partners in every child's educational journey. We foster strong relationships built on trust, open communication, and collaboration because we recognize that parents are a child's first and most influential teachers. Together, we celebrate milestones, encourage independence, build confidence, and create meaningful experiences that inspire a lifelong love of learning.

When you choose Little Hearts Child Development Center, you're choosing more than an early learning program—you're joining a family dedicated to nurturing young hearts, inspiring curious minds, and building a strong foundation for a bright future.

We look forward to welcoming your family and becoming a trusted partner in your child's growth, learning, and success.

Little Hearts Child Development Center
Where We Touch Hearts and Build Minds.

bottom of page