The caring faces behind Building Kidz of San Mateo

Owners

Flores Family

Our Family's story with Building Kidz began long before we became the owners of Building Kidz of San Mateo.

It started in 2010, when Ernesto began working with Building Kidz corporate, helping develop new school sites and working closely with existing schools to maintain safe facilities and meet licensing requirements. Over the years, his work grew to include developing and bringing new projects into Building Kidz schools, including learning environments where children can explore real-world places such as medical offices, fire stations, and police stations through the LTLE curriculum.

Building Kidz eventually became part of Laura's story as well. For nearly four years, she worked within Building Kidz schools preparing fresh meals for children and caring for the classrooms and spaces they used every day. Her time in the schools gave our family another perspective on what happens behind the scenes each day, and how much care goes into the little things that make a school feel welcoming and cared for.

In February 2026, our family's long relationship with Building Kidz entered a new chapter when Ernesto, Laura, and their son Leonardo took ownership of Building Kidz of San Mateo together. Leonardo brought his own experience in business operations, marketing, communication, and team development, adding another set of skills to the experience our family had built over the years.

Today, we bring those experiences together as a Family. From the buildings and classrooms themselves, to the meals children eat, the teachers and families we work with, and the way our school continues to grow, our experiences have given us an understanding of many different parts of what goes into caring for a preschool and the families within it.
Taking ownership gave our family the opportunity to bring more than 15 years of connection with Building Kidz into a school we can now care for together. We're proud to carry that history forward at Building Kidz of San Mateo and to continue learning, improving, and caring for our community as a family.

School Director

Lourdes Vega

Lourdes Vega has been part of the Building Kidz family since 2018, bringing a deep passion for early childhood education and a heartfelt commitment to creating a warm, nurturing environment where children can thrive.

Her journey with Building Kidz began in the classroom as a Teacher Aide. She went on to become a Teacher, and in 2022 she stepped into her current role as School Director. Those years working side by side with children, teachers, and families gave her a real understanding of what each of them needs to feel supported.

Lourdes believes the early years lay the foundation for everything that follows in a child’s life. She is passionate about helping her teachers create engaging, safe, and meaningful learning experiences.

As Director, she focuses on building strong relationships with families, supporting her teaching team, and making sure every child feels safe, loved, valued, and encouraged to learn and grow.

“I am grateful to have grown alongside Building Kidz and to have the opportunity to support our children, families, and teachers every day.”

Building Kidz Family Since 2018 | School Director Since 2022