This Little Piggy Academy Child Care: Where Learning is Fun!
Meet the Owner
Welcome! My name is Samantha Orlando, and I’m the proud owner of This Little Piggy Academy and owner/director of This Little Piggy Academy Infant Center in Waco, Texas.
Before opening our doors in 2016, I spent two years working as a Child Care Licensing Investigator with the State of Texas, where I gained valuable insight into what high-quality early childhood care truly looks like. That experience sparked a deep passion in me to create a program that goes far beyond minimum standards—one that supports families, nurtures development, and builds meaningful connections with every child in our care.
Since then, our programs have continued to grow and evolve. In November 2017, we opened a second location, This Little Piggy Academy Too, which served our community until October 2024, when the property was sold. Soon after, we proudly opened This Little Piggy Academy Infant Center in November 2024, dedicated to caring for infants and young toddlers in a safe, loving, and developmentally appropriate setting.
I’m also a proud mom of five wonderful children, ranging in age from 19 to 4 years old. My oldest child is autistic, and helping raise him has shaped not only who I am as a parent but also as an educator and leader. It has deepened my commitment to understanding that every child develops differently—and that all children deserve patience, respect, and individualized support. This personal journey fuels my passion for creating inclusive environments that meet each child where they are.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Tarleton State University, and in my role as director, I provide ongoing leadership, training, guidance, and support to our incredible team. I care deeply about the quality and heart behind everything we do, and I work every day to ensure our programs are places where children feel safe, loved, and excited to learn.
I’m honored that our centers have been recognized by our community with Locals Love Us awards in the categories of Childcare, Preschool, and Learning Center for the past four consecutive years—a reflection of the care and dedication we pour into every day.
Thank you for considering This Little Piggy Academy to be part of your child’s early learning journey. We are excited to welcome your family into ours.
About Us
A program of laughter, learning and love!
A program of laughter, learning and love!
A program of laughter, learning and love!
We believe the most profound learning happens when educational experiences are surrounded by laughter and love. By placing nurturing relationships at the heart of everything we do, our innovative programs immerse children in all the benefits of play-filled, theme-based learning and surround them with the joyous laughter and endless love that they need to flourish.
Our Mission & Vision
A program of laughter, learning and love!
A program of laughter, learning and love!
We believe every child needs love, security, acceptance, control, guidance, and PROTECTION!
Here at This Little Piggy Academy, we believe every child deserves to feel loved and wanted. We understand that every child needs the security of a stimulating, safe environment, and must believe they are always accepted for themselves.
Each child
We believe every child needs love, security, acceptance, control, guidance, and PROTECTION!
Here at This Little Piggy Academy, we believe every child deserves to feel loved and wanted. We understand that every child needs the security of a stimulating, safe environment, and must believe they are always accepted for themselves.
Each child needs to feel in control, and must grow and develop individually with nurturing guidance from those who love them. Through it all, every child must always feel trusting of and protected by amazing adults who care!
Our Family Approach
A program of laughter, learning and love!
Our Family Approach
As a local, family-owned childcare company, it has always been our mission to bring laughter, learning and love to the children in our community. It served as our sense of purpose in 2016 when we began as a small, 40 total preschool program and we’re proud to continue to pursue it through our two industry leading schools serving over 60 c
As a local, family-owned childcare company, it has always been our mission to bring laughter, learning and love to the children in our community. It served as our sense of purpose in 2016 when we began as a small, 40 total preschool program and we’re proud to continue to pursue it through our two industry leading schools serving over 60 children from 6 weeks through 5 years of age.
Led today by the same devoted family who pioneered our perspective, our team believes that contributing positively to the lives of families happens by providing a place where children feel as much love and care each day with us as they do with you at home. We know that trusting someone with your child is the most important decision you can make, and we don’t take that honor lightly. To us you are not just a client, you are part of the This Little Piggy Academy Family!