By Camarrah Morgan, Program Partner
Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation

Believing in the endless potential of young children, twenty-three early learning leaders were unselfishly devoted to ensuring the healthy development of young children in one of the lowest median income neighborhoods in Detroit, Michigan – Brightmoor. Since 2008, they trusted Development Centers, Inc (DCI dba MiSide) and the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation (Fisher) to accelerate this quality work by providing access to curriculum, educational materials, childcare scholarships for working families on the edge of eligibility for public assistance, technical assistance, and coaching.

Together, these optimistic partners, affectionately referred to as the Brightmoor Childcare Quality Initiative (BQI) shared power to cultivate a place of belonging for early learners and the professionals educating them. The holistic spectrum of resources aligns with the framework established through the Hope Starts Here Detroit effort launched in 2016.

Between 2008 and 2023, BQI members increased their average state quality rating from 1.67 to 4.18 on a five-point scale. In the spring of 2023, the network licensed capacity was 684, a 204% increase from the initial network capacity of 225. During that time, the BQI teacher workforce increased 404%, from twenty-six to 131 in 2023, of which 127 (97%) have formal education ranging from Child Development Associate certificates to doctoral degrees. One hundred percent of current programs have high quality curriculum, renovated facilities, and trained educators.

Throughout the years, over 5,000 children have been served at BQI sites. With more than 355 collective years in early childhood education, BQI directors and owners actively contribute talent, time, and treasure to make a difference that extends beyond their individual programs. Their advocacy contributed to solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic and their leadership adds to Detroit’s early childhood ecosystem. These leaders have been featured in over 60 articles and videos, amplifying awareness of the underpaid and under-appreciated professionals preparing young children for school.

Beginning in late 2022, BQI members embarked on a planning process to map a strategy to expand the network and increase access to high quality childcare for more Brightmoor children. The BQI team reflected on their 13 years of experience throughout the co-design process, developing an application process, an application, a selection process, a scope of services ideal for new programs, a mentorship model for current BQI members to stay involved, new program orientation and more. In the spring of 2024, BQI members selected eight childcare programs in the zip codes of 48219 and 48223. The new cohort is referred as BQI 2.0 and the original members will be mentors to the new members.

The BQI Impact Report provides an overview of the courageous journey of childcare business owners, organizational partners and the foundation