By Camarrah Morgan, Program Partner
Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation
After 15 years of working together, directors and owners of the Brightmoor Childcare Quality Initiative (BQI) joined their teachers in a day-long In-Service Event on Saturday, November 9, 2024. The theme was “Empowering Growth: Building Stronger Futures with Strong Educators” to emphasize empowerment, growth, and collaboration. Jaime Odister led the MiSide coordination team in planning an incredible day of inspiration, learning, and rejuvenation. The flow of the day integrated appreciation for teachers’ commitment to educating young children in the Brightmoor zip codes of 48223 and 48219 despite the challenges during and after the pandemic.
The event was about more than just professional development — it was about creating a space where the 22 participating BQI businesses could come together to learn, share, relax, and rejuvenate. The day began with Kimberli Boyd of Spirit Filled Yoga leading the group through mindfulness breathing and Lavender Mobile Spa provided 15-minute massages throughout the day. The keynote speaker, Washea McLean of Land Consultants, spoke about Watch Us Bloom and gave every director a rose; every teacher received a plant.
Audra Kubat from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra led an interactive teacher session focused on artful music integration in learning. Kaela Wright from the Great Start Collaborative Detroit-Wayne informed teachers about the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, while Victoria Sargeant shared the framework for a new BQI social-emotional learning program where social workers will be in the classrooms. Meanwhile, the directors and owners were joined by Monica Duncan of Thrive Community Building and Camarrah Morgan of the Fisher Foundation for a discussion focused on establishing organizational values and organizational culture that reflect early childhood principles and transformational leadership actions.
The day ended with encouraging words from the BQI owners and directors to their teams. For example, Little Scholars Child Development Centers shared: “We truly appreciate the incredible care and dedication our team provides every day, creating a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where children can learn, grow, and feel loved. Their commitment to fostering their development and well-being is something we deeply value.”
