About
Growing Minds Early Education Programs is a non-profit organization that offers quality early education to income-eligible families in North County. Environments at Growing Minds are described as age-appropriate, nurturing, and secure. Every Growing Minds family is assigned a family advocate who serves as a liaison between the family and the center.
• Ages: 0–5 years old
Growing Minds Early Education Programs, formerly North County Community Services, has served the local community since the 1970s and has been rooted in the community since 1972. Growing Minds has been offering affordable early child education to North County families for over 50 years. The organization has four locations serving Escondido and one in Oceanside.
The mission of Growing Minds is to improve the quality of life in the community by providing the highest quality education for young children and supporting working families. Growing Minds offers financial assistance to support teachers’ continued education and professional development. The organization relies on donations to offer free or low-cost preschool and states that funds create a triple impact in the community by empowering parents to pursue their education, support their families, and improve their futures.
The leadership team includes Executive Director Susan Niemi, MA; Program Director Estrellita (Lita) Moore; Finance Director Loritta M. Zajda, CPA; and Operations/Human Resources Director Rita Zeigler. Susan Niemi has a master’s degree in psychology and over 35 years of work experience. Estrellita (Lita) Moore earned a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Loritta M. Zajda attended the University of San Diego and obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in international business administration, and achieved a CPA license in Virginia in 1996 and in California in 2019.
One parent shared that Growing Minds was the early beginning for their son, who is now a performer traveling the world. A relative described seeing the impact of early childhood education on a 3-month-old nephew enrolled in a Growing Minds center and attributed his growth and development to his time there. A parent and employee described becoming a single parent in 2005, receiving quality childcare from Growing Minds, then being hired as an assistant in 2006, later becoming a lead teacher, and continuing to work there nearly 17 years later. Another parent said the center allowed them to further their education after high school, supported their part-time work, and gave their son early childhood education that provided a head start in kindergarten, and now volunteers at the center. Employees describe feeling honored to work for Growing Minds, valuing the support they receive, and viewing joining the company as a privilege.
Last updated July 8, 2026.
• Ages: 0–5 years old
Growing Minds Early Education Programs, formerly North County Community Services, has served the local community since the 1970s and has been rooted in the community since 1972. Growing Minds has been offering affordable early child education to North County families for over 50 years. The organization has four locations serving Escondido and one in Oceanside.
The mission of Growing Minds is to improve the quality of life in the community by providing the highest quality education for young children and supporting working families. Growing Minds offers financial assistance to support teachers’ continued education and professional development. The organization relies on donations to offer free or low-cost preschool and states that funds create a triple impact in the community by empowering parents to pursue their education, support their families, and improve their futures.
The leadership team includes Executive Director Susan Niemi, MA; Program Director Estrellita (Lita) Moore; Finance Director Loritta M. Zajda, CPA; and Operations/Human Resources Director Rita Zeigler. Susan Niemi has a master’s degree in psychology and over 35 years of work experience. Estrellita (Lita) Moore earned a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Loritta M. Zajda attended the University of San Diego and obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in international business administration, and achieved a CPA license in Virginia in 1996 and in California in 2019.
One parent shared that Growing Minds was the early beginning for their son, who is now a performer traveling the world. A relative described seeing the impact of early childhood education on a 3-month-old nephew enrolled in a Growing Minds center and attributed his growth and development to his time there. A parent and employee described becoming a single parent in 2005, receiving quality childcare from Growing Minds, then being hired as an assistant in 2006, later becoming a lead teacher, and continuing to work there nearly 17 years later. Another parent said the center allowed them to further their education after high school, supported their part-time work, and gave their son early childhood education that provided a head start in kindergarten, and now volunteers at the center. Employees describe feeling honored to work for Growing Minds, valuing the support they receive, and viewing joining the company as a privilege.
Last updated July 8, 2026.
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