Little Learners Children’s Academy began with a personal journey—rooted in love, real-life challenges, and a deep calling to serve our community.

With a degree in early childhood education and years of experience teaching in schools and childcare settings, I’ve always known how foundational the early years are for a child’s development. But when my husband and I found ourselves parenting three children under the age of three, I experienced firsthand just how difficult it was to access childcare in Hillsboro.

Despite our best efforts, there were no available childcare spots for all three of our children, which meant I couldn’t return to work as a teacher. And I quickly realized we weren’t the only family in this position.

That’s when I felt called to create something more—not just for our family, but for the many others in our community facing the same struggle.

Little Learners began as a response to that need. From the very start, we’ve built our center around the care, respect, and quality we would expect for our own children. And now, as we prepare to welcome our fourth child, that mission has only grown deeper.

We know what it’s like to wait for a spot. To make impossible choices between work and childcare. To want the best for your child and feel like you’re out of options. Every decision we make at Little Learners is guided by our own experience—as both educators and parents.

We also believe deeply in supporting our teachers. I remember being a college student working long days in a childcare center. At Little Learners, we’re committed to creating a supportive environment where educators are respected, encouraged, and empowered.

We didn’t start with a brand-new building or endless resources—but we started with heart, knowledge, and the belief that we could build something meaningful. And we’re just getting started. Over the next year, we’re working hard to expand—opening more spots, larger classrooms, and improving outdoor spaces to serve even more families.

This isn’t just my story. It’s ours—a shared journey we’re building together, one little learner at a time.

— Hannah Hernandez, Founder & Mom of (almost) Four