Pictured Above from L to R: FCI Portfolio Manager, Lisa Menendez, Trasnos Owners Gletsy Oliveros and Harry Salas
It’s widely known that access to affordable, high-quality childcare can significantly shape a family’s future. Trasnos Bilingual Childcare Center knows they are doing more than filling a market need; they’re building a foundation from which their students can thrive. With the support of Forward Community Investments’ small business loan program, Trasnos has officially acquired the commercial building they’ve been renting in Middleton, WI. This milestone reinforces their mission to nurture children in a bilingual, values-driven environment while expanding their long-term footprint in the region.
A Journey Rooted in Growth
What began in 2018 as a modest in-home daycare licensed for eight children in Oregon, WI has rapidly grown into a three-location enterprise serving over 130 families. The founders, Gletsy Oliveros and Harry Salas—an engineer and IT professional by training—have translated their technical backgrounds into a structured, intentional childcare model.
Trasnos’ curriculum emphasizes early math, music, and movement, while also fostering bilingual literacy in English and Spanish. Their Christian-inspired philosophy promotes holistic growth—academically, socially, and spiritually—helping children build confidence, curiosity, and problem-solving skills.
A Vision Secured Through Ownership
The Middleton location, now secured through permanent financing, represents not just a property purchase but a pivotal moment in the organization’s evolution. Transitioning from a lease to ownership gives Trasnos the stability to continue growing enrollment (projected to reach 40 by the end of 2025), invest in long-term facility improvements, and deepen its commitment to families in the area.
This isn’t the first time Trasnos has taken bold steps toward expansion. In 2023, they purchased their Oregon site and opened a second leased facility on Madison’s East Side. Their total licensed capacity now spans 275 children across all three locations.
An Ecosystem of Support and Impact
Approximately 30% of Trasnos’ enrolled families are low-income households, making access and affordability central to their impact. With a diverse staff and student population, the center celebrates multiculturalism and serves as a model of inclusion in early childhood education.
Beyond the classroom, Gletsy and Harry are active contributors to the broader childcare community. They’ve mentored emerging daycare owners through the Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce and have played a key role in launching three new daycare operations statewide.
FCI’s Role in Empowering the Vision
“Childcare centers like Trasnos aren’t just businesses, they’re community anchors,” said Ryan Zerwer, CEO of Forward Community Investments. “We’re honored to help them invest in their long-term stability and ensure that more families have access to high-quality early education”
Looking Ahead
With this latest acquisition, Trasnos is positioned to expand its reach, deepen its impact, and continue delivering excellence in bilingual early education. We look forward to seeing this thriving childcare center continue to blossom—one child, one family, and one neighborhood at a time.
📍 Learn more about our small business loan program and our other loan programs at www.forwardci.org/lending
