Free play, autonomy and respectful care in the heart of Gràcia, Barcelona. 7:1 ratio, maximum 15 families. Our day-to-day runs in Catalan and Spanish — international families are welcome.
Upcoming events
The change of ownership delayed Mamaloa's licence. Since early September we have been able to start operating: this term (September–December 2026) we are not caring for a group of children, and we are opening the space with morning and afternoon activities so families can get to know the project. A new group starts in January 2027, with several families already confirmed.
Sign up for each activity's event, including the first class. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp
The Soul of Mamaloa
Mamaloa was born from the meeting of two educators who, amid the tides, felt the need to raise a lighthouse. A place to educate not from a method, but from a way of being and relating.
"Our educational project is built on free movement and sensoriomotor experience guided by each child's own interest and rhythm. We know this is only possible thanks to the safe environment we build together with families and educators."
Since 2026, Zayda has been the pedagogical director, carrying the same essence with fresh energy: 15 years of experience, two children of her own, and the same deep commitment to living education and absolute respect.
We embrace, appreciate and nourish ourselves through the commitment and complicity of every family.
mamaloa
Respectful Parenting · Free Education
"Learning must pass through the head, the heart and the hands."
— Pestalozzi
The foundation of learning. Each child plays in their own way, at the pace their organism needs. They repeat, explore, create. Motor skills, coordination and social abilities emerge from here.
In the first three years, the body learns at an astonishing pace. The richer the environment, the more natural the path to autonomy. Children make free choices that make them feel capable.
Knowing one's own body, capabilities and limits. Discovering how far they are ready to climb, run or explore. The adult accompanies without rushing the process.
The internal connection with the body and one's own sensations. Educators express things in words, carefully deciphering what is happening and helping each child give it a place.
The Director
Hi! I'm Zayda. I was born in El Salvador 37 years ago and have been living in Barcelona since I was 10. Today I open my heart to tell you what is behind Mamaloa.
More than 15 years ago I began my path as an early childhood educator, but my true transformation came with my children. My first maternity, 10 years ago, introduced me to respectful parenting, where I could explore different areas of accompaniment through training. My second, 3 years ago, gave me the gift of clarity: to dream of a project of my own.
"Now it is possible thanks to Mamaloa — where we don't just care for children, we accompany them from absolute respect for their own rhythm and conscious presence."
I am convinced that the first years are the foundation of adult life, and my mission is for every child to feel seen, valued and free to develop in all their areas.
The project founded by Íngrid and Mireia lives on: same vocation, same ratio, same community. Because the essence doesn't change — it grows. ❤️
Why the Ratio Changes Everything
When there are fewer children per educator, each child is truly seen, heard and understood. It's not a luxury — it's the minimum they deserve.
13–20
:1
Less individual attention
7:1
Every child is seen every day
"Trying to teach a child something they can learn by themselves is not only useless, but harmful." — Emmi Pikler
An authentic relationship between child and educator, built every day.
Less noise, less stress. Room for silence and deep concentration.
The child sets the pace. There is no rush in the settling-in process.
The Space
Natural materials, wood, natural light and spaces that invite free movement. The inner courtyard connects with the life of the neighbourhood.
A Day at Mamaloa
Every morning begins with a welcoming ritual. Every afternoon closes with the warmth of La Foguera. In between is free exploration and discovery.
8:30
Early care
Optional service · extra cost
9:00
Relaxed arrival
Sharing time & brief communications
10:00
Morning Circle
Group circle · Who is here today?
10:15
Fruit
Seasonal fruit · community moment
10:30
Session
Free play, psychomotricity, sensory, symbolic
12:00
Lunch
Mornings pick-up · packed lunch or local organic menu
14:40
Closing Circle
Day closing · songs · farewell
15:00
Pick-up
Standard schedule pick-up
16:30
End of day
Full-day pick-up
Approximate schedule: the children set the pace. Flexible options: mornings (9–12h), standard (9–15h) or full day (9–16:30h), with optional early care from 8:30h. Any questions, just ask.
Our way of being and relating
From the first months, children respond to visual, sound and touch stimuli. Then comes sensoriomotor play: jumping, running, climbing. And later symbolic play, around 2.5–3 years: "let's pretend…"
A child cannot explore if their alert system is activated. At Mamaloa, the presence of a secure figure is non-negotiable during the first weeks. First the space, then the group, then the rhythms, then the bond.
We know Mamaloa is only possible with families. Pedagogical gatherings whenever the team sees the need, two individual meetings per year, and direct, honest, close communication. We embrace your complicity.
Emmi Pikler (authentic movement), Montessori, Rebeca Wild (autonomy and limits), Rousseau, Evânia Reichert (emotional expression) and ongoing training in living education and emotional support.
The Settling-in Process
At Mamaloa, settling in is not a formality. It is a living process shaped by the child's age, attachment style, the family's concerns and each family's reality. We ask for a minimum availability of 4 weeks, with flexibility.
"The child needs to look back and see that their safe harbour is still there while they venture to explore the space."
Discovering the space
The space stops feeling threatening and becomes familiar territory.
Meeting the group
We deeply respect the observer role. A child may spend days watching others play from a parent's lap.
Understanding the rhythms
Knowing what comes next reduces anxiety. The child integrates daily rituals organically, with the family present.
Bond with the educator
The last and most delicate step. The educator does not replace anyone — they become a secondary attachment figure when the child seeks them out by their own initiative.
"True freedom is only possible within clear limits that respect both the needs of the child and those of the adult." — Rebeca Wild
Mornings & afternoons at Mamaloa
This term we open the space with morning and afternoon activities for babies, children and families, and for anyone who would like to meet us. A safe, warm and honest space in the heart of Gràcia.
Every activity, including the first class of regular ones, is booked by signing up to its event in the calendar. This makes information and data much easier for us to manage.
A space for reflection on parenting, where families deepen their understanding of the project and share the journey. The team calls them whenever it sees the need.
Two individual meetings per year (start and end) to follow each child's process and support each family's concerns.
Weekly schedule, subject to change
Monday
10:00–12:00 Sensory play (7 months+)
17:00–18:15 Family acrobatics (3-6 years)
Tuesday
10:00–12:00 Baby space (4-12 months, crawlers)
17:00–18:30 Psychomotor play (8 months - 2 years)
Wednesday
10:00–12:00 Play space & coworking
17:00–18:30 Psychomotor play (2-4 years)
Thursday
10:00–12:00 Baby space (4-12 months)
16:45–18:00 Family theatre (3-6 years)
Friday
10:00–12:00 Weekly workshops
Afternoon No scheduled activity
Saturday
09:30–13:30 Symbolic, cognitive, free and sensorimotor play (8 months - 6 years)
16:00–19:30 Symbolic, cognitive, free and sensorimotor play (8 months - 6 years)
Sunday
Morning & afternoon Private children's parties
Frequently Asked Questions
Come and Meet Us
The best way to discover Mamaloa is to visit in person. A private visit with Zayda will let you breathe the space, ask all your questions and feel whether this is your place.
Fill in the form and Zayda will contact you personally within 24 hours.
Enrolment is open all year round · As long as places are available and the ratio is respected, Zayda will arrange a visit and assess the joining process. The best way to find out if there is space is to ask directly.
Or write to zaydaeduca.infa@gmail.com