Tierra Encantada Brings Spanish Immersion Childcare Franchise to Washington for the First Time

January 29, 2026 // FranchisePR.com // MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Tierra Encantada is heading to Washington for the first time. The brand will bring Seattle families a warm, Spanish-immersion early education environment with play-based STEAM learning and wholesome, scratch-made meals.

The first center will be owned and operated by George Trejo and Ingrid Veckaktins. Both lifetime locals of the Seattle area, the married couple decided to franchise out of a desire to build relationships with families, support educators, and deliver a deeply engaging early-learning experience to their local community.

Ingrid’s background in nursing and childcare combined with George’s experience building businesses since the age of 13 ultimately converged in early education, where purpose and execution come together. George will continue his current role as Global Business Development Lead at Amazon during this new franchising endeavor.

“As native Washingtonians, we feel a strong connection to the place and community that shaped us. We’ve spent our entire lives here and now raise our children here, so we couldn’t think of a better place to own a business,” Trejo said. “When considering all the sectors available in franchising, we chose childcare because of the growing childcare crisis and the opportunity to be part of the solution.”

The couple is excited to bring Tierra Encantada to Seattle because the values of the community align closely with Tierra’s focus on culture, language, and holistic early learning. Seattle families understand the importance of early exposure to different perspectives and the role it plays in shaping thoughtful, engaged citizens.

“George and Ingrid’s passion for community, commitment to early education, and experience as parents, entrepreneurs and caregivers make them the perfect people to lead Tierra’s foray into Washington,” said Founder and CEO Kristen Denzer. Their passion for high quality early education and commitment to serving families will help us plant deep roots in a community that’s ready for something special.”

Spanish is projected to be spoken by nearly one in three people in the U.S. by 2050, fueling rapid demand for early Spanish immersion.

Founded in 2013, Tierra Encantada delivers a distinctive childcare experience for children aged six weeks through six years with a focus on the growth of the whole child. Its play-based STEAM curriculum, taught entirely in Spanish, helps children naturally learn a second language while nurturing creativity, curiosity, and connection.

SOURCE Tierra Encantada