By Jesse Peone
Months after a public financial and leadership crisis disrupted one of South Salem’s most visible childcare programs, the center formerly known as Amiguitos & Family Child Care Center is operating under new leadership and a new name — with a focus on rebuilding trust and expanding services for families.
Now operating as Growing Forward Childcare & Resource Center, the facility at 790 Marion St. NE is open seven days a week, offering extended hours and drop-in availability when space allows. The center currently has more than 20 children enrolled and continues to accept new families.
“Things are going well and we’re in a strong, steady place,” said director Elizabeth Aldis. “We are operating as Growing Forward Childcare & Resource Center, focused on consistent care, strong relationships, and a positive environment for children and families.”
The transition follows months of turmoil tied to the Oregon Childcare Coalition (OCC), which previously operated the center. In October, payroll checks bounced for multiple employees, prompting a Salem Police report and internal conflict between staff and leadership. At the time, OCC President and Interim Executive Director Ramiro “RJ” Navarro announced layoffs and a temporary shutdown — a move the board publicly contradicted hours later.
The dispute escalated through emails, police documentation, and competing public statements. OCC later confirmed through a public Facebook post that the board accepted Navarro’s resignation and identified new board officers. Subsequent updates indicated that Navarro stepped away from operations entirely.
Today, Aldis says the center’s focus is forward-looking.
“Yes — and we rebuilt it the most meaningful way: through consistency and follow-through,” she said. “We maintain trust by keeping calm, predictable routines for kids; communicating clearly with parents; and making sure leadership is present and accountable day-to-day.”
Several families remained through the transition, while others have returned or now rely on the center for weekend or backup care. The expanded operating schedule is designed to serve parents who do not work traditional 9–5 jobs — a need that continues to grow in the Mid-Valley.
The region has long struggled with limited childcare capacity, often described by advocates as a “daycare desert,” where demand outpaces available slots — particularly for infants and families with nontraditional schedules.
“It’s extremely important,” Aldis said of the center’s role. “When families can’t access childcare, it affects everything — work stability, housing stability, mental health, and the ability to attend essential appointments.”
Growing Forward serves infants through school-age children and aims to function as more than a childcare site. Aldis said the center is intentionally building a model that integrates community resources alongside early learning services.
“I wish more people understood that childcare is not ‘babysitting.’ It’s early learning, social-emotional development, safety, stability, and daily support for families,” she said. “We’re helping children build the foundation for school and life.”
Growing Forward is operating under Liberty Fellowship, a nonprofit Aldis said provides oversight and support for the childcare program and other community initiatives. Aldis said Shanna Aldis, her mother, brings more than 30 years of experience operating a state-certified Preschool Promise program and helps oversee the center. “Supporting children and families isn’t new to us — it’s something we’ve grown up around,” Aldis said. “For us, this work has always been more than a profession; it is a long-standing commitment to the community we serve.”
Aldis confirmed that individuals previously connected to the leadership dispute and police investigation are no longer involved in any capacity.
“They are not employed, they do not do contract work, and they are not involved in operations in any way,” she said.
The center is also working to strengthen its community presence. Growing Forward will host a public event March 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Marion Street location. Community organizations are invited to host resource tables, and families can participate in activities including a plant table and access to the center’s Resource Room. Local car clubs, including Mid-Valley Cruisers, are expected to attend.
“Yes — I want the community to know that Growing Forward is stable, welcoming, and committed to being a dependable support for families,” Aldis said. “We’re continuing to grow, we’re still enrolling, and we’re focused on building trust through consistent care and community connection.”
As the center continues its transition from crisis to stability, its leadership says the goal is clear: consistent care, transparent oversight, and dependable support for Mid-Valley families who rely on childcare to sustain work and daily life.