Katia G. Lopez recognized for over 20 years of leadership in early childhood education across the Salt Lake Valley

Katia G. Lopez, founder and CEO of Smart Kids Development Center and one of Utah’s most recognized leaders in childcare and early childhood education, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who, one of the world’s most prestigious biographical registries. Lopez built Smart Kids from a home-based daycare into six preschool and childcare centers serving over 600 children daily across the Salt Lake Valley, and was recognized for her two decades of work in early childhood education, childcare management, and community advocacy. Read the full press release below.

March 17, 2026 — TAYLORSVILLE, UT — Katia G. Lopez has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Lopez has established herself in school administration, serving as the founder and chief executive officer of Smart Kids since 2004. For more than 20 years, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to early childhood education, guiding her organization through significant growth and recognition. In her leading role, Ms. Lopez conducts training and professional development alongside directors and coaches, manages grants-related responsibilities and collaborates with many state initiatives to improve the quality of early childhood education. She also oversees all administrative paperwork for multiple centers, including documentation for food programs and compliance with licensing regulations.

Under Ms. Lopez’s guidance, Smart Kids achieved notable milestones, including earning a high-quality plus rating for four locations and a high-quality rating for two additional centers. These distinctions reflect her dedication to maintaining exceptional standards in early childhood education. Furthermore, the daycare provides scholarships for children from families unable to afford daycare, with particular support for employees’ families.

Ms. Lopez’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education earned in Peru, and a National Administration credential. Her formal education laid the groundwork for her expertise in school administration and contributed significantly to her professional achievements.

Before founding Smart Kids, Ms. Lopez spent four years as an early childhood teacher back in Peru, as immigrant in US she have to start learning a new language, went back to college and learn a new educational system, with that acknowledgment, she started her business in the basement of her house to grow Smart Kids into 6 commercial highly-recognized early childhood centers that service about 600 children daily and provides work for more than 100 employees.

In the earlier years of work as a family childcare provider she organized and later presided over the first Hispanic Professional Family Childcare Association of Utah.

A defining moment in Ms. Lopez’s professional journey occurred after her first year operating a child care center, when she was informed that the property would be taken through eminent domain for city infrastructure development. Despite the setback and a nine-month deadline to vacate, she refused to accept compensation as an endpoint. Instead, she canvassed the neighborhood to identify potential properties and ultimately persuaded a couple to sell their home. Over six months, Ms. Lopez managed the construction of a new facility designed to serve 100 children, overseeing every aspect from securing permits and navigating licensing requirements to coordinating facility planning.

Ms. Lopez’s interest in early childhood education began at age 16, when she assisted in preschool programs while still a student. Despite parental concerns about financial prospects in the field in Peru, she remained steadfast in her commitment and developed a plan to one day own early childhood centers, a vision she has since realized through determination and strategic planning.

In recognition of her contributions, Ms. Lopez has received several honors, including the Small Business of the Year Award and numerous high quality certifications for excellence in the childcare industry. Looking ahead, she intends to broaden her impact by establishing a parenting program that addresses the emotional challenges young people face and equips parents with effective strategies to support them.

About Marquis Who’s Who: Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America, Marquis Who’s Who has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Marquis Who’s Who can be viewed at www.marquiswhoswho.com.

About Smart Kids Development Center: Smart Kids Development Center is a Utah-based childcare and early childhood education provider with six locations across the Salt Lake Valley, including Taylorsville, West Valley, West Jordan, Kearns, Redwood Road, and Salt Lake City. Founded in 2004 by Katia G. Lopez, Smart Kids serves over 600 children daily and is recognized as a High Quality Plus childcare provider by the state of Utah.

View the original press release here: 24-7PressRelease.com.