Our Story
The seeds of CHLA were planted in 2018 in a modest two-bedroom apartment in Granada Hills, California. It was founded by Valerie (then a preschool teacher) and her husband, Marwin, who had transitioned to being a full-time father to care for their two children, Healing and Justice.
To help make ends meet, Marwin began offering babysitting services to neighbors and friends.
Struggling to support their family of four on a preschool teacher’s salary, Valerie and Marwin looked for a way to earn income while staying home with their young children. Their solution was to open a small in-home child care program that served both their family and others in the community.
They renovated their home, completed the necessary requirements, and obtained a small child care license. Within a few months, they filled their roster and welcomed their first group of students.
As word spread and demand grew through glowing word-of-mouth referrals, Valerie and Marwin expanded their program. They moved into a larger facility and pursued a large license. Valerie stepped away from her teaching position to assume the role of Program Director for their expanding school.
What started as a humble “daddy daycare” became a vibrant, in-home Christian Montessori program that not only nurtures students but also strengthens families through parent huddles, family seminars, and community gatherings.
In 2023, after four successful years, Valerie and Marwin established Children’s House LA as a nonprofit organization to expand their services and reach more families throughout the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas.
Founders
Marwin Serrano
Marwin Serrano’s journey began in Tarlac, Philippines, where he worked as an organic farmer, learning the values of patience, stewardship, and sustainable living. His heart for people led him to serve as a missionary with Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) from 2010 to 2014, mentoring university students and organizing international gatherings like the Southeast Asia Student Congress. Later, he joined the Department of Trade and Industry, supporting small entrepreneurs and helping communities grow through enterprise.
In 2017, Marwin and his wife, Valerie, moved to Los Angeles with their infant son and another child on the way. Longing for the close-knit community they left behind, they began welcoming neighborhood children into their home. By 2019, their living room had transformed into Little Children’s House, a warm, family-centered Montessori environment that quickly earned the affectionate nickname “daddy daycare.” Marwin built the shelves, furniture, and vision—literally—by hand.
Today, as Co-Founder and Executive Director of Children’s House LA, Marwin leads with that same grounded spirit. He brings his love for nature into the classroom through gardening, vermicomposting, and outdoor learning, helping children see the beauty of work, care, and creation. His passion is to build spaces where children are respected, families are supported, and communities flourish.
Valerie Serrano
She knew she wanted to homeschool her children even before they were conceived. After researching different pedagogies, she knew Montessori could change the world—starting with her own home. What began as a personal pursuit of purposeful education soon became a mission to help other families experience the same joy of learning together. Valerie is the Program Director of Children’s House LA, where she leads with warmth, creativity, and a deep respect for each child’s individuality.
She is a certified Montessori Primary Guide through the Santa Monica Montessori Institute and is currently pursuing her Elementary I–II credential with the Center for Guided Montessori Studies. Valerie also completed advanced training in The Great Lessons from a Biblical Perspective through the International Christian Montessori Institute, weaving a sense of story and purpose into her approach to teaching.
Valerie holds an ECE Administration Certificate from UCLA Extension and is a certified Positive Discipline educator. Since 2020, she has served as Program Director at Children’s House LA in Burbank, designing thoughtful learning environments and cultivating classrooms where curiosity and peace can grow.
She lives in the San Fernando Valley with her husband and children, where she enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures, and getting lost in a good novel. She also values time spent walking alongside other women, sharing conversations, coffee, and connection—staying rooted in her identity while helping others do the same.
