The Sparkles! Story
Supporting working parents with peace of mind through a nurturing, family-style culture while building tomorrow’s creative, confident leaders.
1991: In-Home Daycare Founded
Sonia Valdizan launches Sparkles! as a county-regulated, in-home daycare to stay close to her own children while helping local working families.
1999: First Commercial Facility
Expands into a state-of-the-art facility in Fair Oaks, VA with a capacity for 75 children.
2005: Fair Oaks Expansion
Doubles capacity at the Fair Oaks Center to serve up to 158 children. Adopted the research-based Creative Curriculum approach.
2010: Public School Partnership
Awarded a Fairfax County Public Schools contract to manage before/after school care at White Oaks Elementary in Burke, VA.
2011: Crystal City Location Opens
Opens a second center in Crystal City (Arlington, VA) with a capacity for 108 children.
2016: Building Tomorrow's Leaders Initiative
Launches an initiative alongside Creative Curriculum to focus on five key social-emotional skills: critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, patience, and persistence.
2026: K-6 Christian School Launches
Sparkles! Christian Academy opens as a separate entity to provide a safe place for children to learn at their own pace.
Core Pillars & Parental Peace of Mind
Family-Style Roots
Maintains a warm, home-like environment across large, modern centers.
Live Video Streaming
Parents get secure, real-time classroom camera access throughout the day.
Play-Based Learning
Focuses on meeting federal/national educational benchmarks through interactive, play-based learning.
Leadership Team
Sonia Valdizan — Founder
Inspired by her family’s immigrant journey from Cuba and relying on a community "village" for childcare, Sonia founded Sparkles! to give working parents complete peace of mind. Recognized as a small business leader by the SBA, Chamber of Commerce, and recipient of the SmartCEO/BRAVA! Awards.
Gille Baez — Director of Operations
Joined in 2007. Oversees daily operations and multi-center organizational growth. Holds an MBA and marketing degree.
Cynthia Vande Linde — Director of HR
Joined in 2013. Leads recruitment, teacher support, and administrative standards across facilities.