Co-owned by Maribel and Carol Hadnot, a powerful mother and daughter duo, Little Bears is more than just a preschool — it’s a calling. United by a shared passion for nurturing children, Maribel and Carol see each child not just as a student, but as a gift from God, created with purpose and potential.

 

From the time she was a little girl, Maribel carried a God-given dream in her heart: to create a place where children and families could feel safe, supported, and surrounded by love. A place where children could grow not just in knowledge, but in character — grounded in faith, kindness, and joy.

 

To make that dream a reality, Maribel served 9 years as a Deputy with the Vista Sheriff’s Department. It was through this season of service and sacrifice that God provided the resources for her to pursue the educational training she needed. Along the way, He continued to shape her path — opening doors for her to volunteer with the YMCA’s early childhood programs and planting her deeply in children’s ministry, where she has now served faithfully for over 20 years.

 

Whether leading Sunday school or directing youth ministry, Maribel has always kept Christ at the center. She now serves alongside her husband in the Marriage Ministry, walking with couples through life’s challenges and joys. It was her husband’s deep faith and personal sacrifice — choosing to set aside his career path to help Maribel fulfill her God-given vision — that made the dream of Little Bears possible. His continued partnership, both in life and in service, remains a vital part of the work they do side by side today.

 

As a mother of eight and grandmother of eight, Maribel has embraced God’s calling to nurture not only her own family but the children of her community. That dream, birthed in prayer and built on faith, became reality in October 1999 with the opening of Little Bears Preschool & Daycare.

 

With a Bachelor’s in Child Development and teaching credentials, Maribel now combines formal education with decades of hands-on experience. She desires not just to care for children, but to pour God’s love into them — and to equip the next generation with the wisdom, compassion, and courage they need to thrive in today’s world.

 

At Little Bears, every child is seen. Every child is valued. Every child is loved — because God first loved us.