Meet Danielle Magana | Special Education Teacher turned Child Care Provider

We had the good fortune of connecting with Danielle Magana and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was a teacher 6 years prior to having my first son. The hardest thing I have ever done in my life was to go back to teaching after only having 3 weeks with my newborn son. I battled postpartum depression and anxiety all while teaching Special Education.. I felt like I had nothing left for my son when I got home. When I found out I could create a daycare within my own home all while watching my son, I dove headfirst into making this a reality. I was even able to continue working with students with special needs because I opened Hakuna Matata: In-Home Child Care for Kids with Special Needs officially August 1st, 2024. Now I am able to do what I love and what I have been called to do while being with my son. When I started my own business, I started it for him.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I think what sets me apart from others is that I have experience working with children with Special Needs since I was in High School. It is not only a passion of mine but a calling. I felt called to become a Special Education Teacher and then another calling to create my own business helping children with special needs. It was not easy by any means- the public education system is truly flawed and children with disabilities in the school system do not get the same things that children in general education classrooms get. It was sad to be on the inside of a system that is just not working. It was toxic and when I had my son, I felt like I had nothing left when I came home. In order to protect my mental health and still do what I love to do, I created my business, Hakuna Matata Child Care for kids with AND without disabilities in order to promote inclusivity in the Child Care space. I want the world to know that children with disabilities DESERVE exceptional child care just like anyone else.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I think the most interesting places to check out in Dallas are DEFINITELY any and ALL food spots. Dallas has food trucks, hidden restaurants (speakeasies), spots for parents where they can bring their children, and the brunch spots! I think my favorite place to hang out would be Sidecar Social in Frisco- its a big bar with amazing drinks, food, and games! I think the games are my favorite part since they have such a variety.

I think as far as a week long trip- I would schedule out a different location to visit every day. Monday go downtown and do the touristy spots/restaurants/museums, Tuesday go to the Klyde-Warren Park area, Wednesday the Arts District, Thursday/Friday would be more night life spots. I’m not the best planner on vacations I like to just explore the city without any plans and see where the day takes me!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to all of the people that spent time believing in me and money in order to help me make my dream come true.

To my wonderful husband, who pushes me to be the best I can be every day and gives me solutions on how to make every possible thing work in my business and in my life. Thank you for believing in me and taking this jump with me.

I truly appreciate all of you:

– Mom and Dad
– Aunt Cindy
– Aunt Angela
– Tio JR
– Araceli Magana
– Alexandria Estes
– Ana Montanez
– Caitlin Rivera
– Alexas Monroe

Thank you

Instagram: @Speducator_Resources

Facebook: Danielle Moreno-Magana