Hi, my name is Dominique Garcia, and I am the Director and Student Advocate at Solid Foundation Child Care. I have five extraordinary children who motivate and inspire me every day. Since I was a child, I have actively thought about the needs of others, and fulfilling their needs has been my life’s work. I started Solid Foundation Child Care to create A safe place for students with one-on-one support, a genuine focus on mental health needs, and a tailored academic curriculum that is student inspired. My mission is to give minority students a fighting chance to build a solid foundation before entering grade school.

 I am the eldest of nine siblings, often called “an old soul.” My first teaching position was as a hygiene leader at Job Corp. At 16, I rewrote the entire student handbook to change the policies' lack of equity and inclusion. I became an operation manager in San Francisco, CA, and volunteered in classrooms since 2005. I have volunteered in our local community for over a decade, working directly with children, creating programs for Black History Month and partnerships to support reading in public schools. I’ve worked on teams as a community advocate for remodeling High Schools and Libraries in the Portland Public School District. I have also been on committees to change laws regarding family leave and childcare provider policy, specifically to add universal preschool in Oregon. This effort resulted in Preschool for All after the overwhelming support on the ballot in 2020.

I know seeking a provider is a significant decision, and I am a resource. Please feel free to reach out to me directly! It does take a village to raise a child, and I know it will take all of us working together to improve the quality of life for all.

When I am not working, I enjoy homemade buffet-style dinners with family, the Marvel Studio storyline, and serving on teams that benefit the BIPOC communities and other childcare providers now and in the future. I currently serve on the Parent Advisory Board through Healthy Families as a parent advocate working to change policy and engagement that will benefit families nationwide. 

Who Am I?

 D I Am Dynamic. As a community advocate, I am the one in the room bringing forth creative ideas or asking the hard questions to challenge policy and encourage logical solutions. 

O I Am observant. I look to help. ​

M I am motivated. I believe it will take all of us working together to improve the quality of life for all.  I am motivated to do my part to make a positive difference.

​I  I am Intentional.  I actively think about the children in my care, with the goal of supporting them.

N I am Noble-Minded. I believe actions speak louder than words. 

​I I show integrity. I believe many of us fulfill our life's purpose repeatedly and don’t know it because we are not recognized publicly. 

Q I am Quick!  Super fast texter! :) Parents I will respond. ​

U I am Unique. I strive to think outside of the box to solve the mysteries in life.  

E  I have Emotional Intelligence. I understand.​