Meet Bertina Polk: How Wonderschool Helped Build a 34-Family Waiting List for My Little Love Bugs Child Care in Michigan

Bertina Polk, the dedicated owner of My Little Love Bugs Child Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a shining example of how child care providers can make a significant impact on their communities with the right support. Partnering with Wonderschool, Bertina has grown her child care program into a profitable, culturally-centered space that enriches families' lives and addresses a critical need for accessible, quality child care in Michigan. Bertina’s journey highlights the vital role that Wonderschool and its partnership with Michigan play in fostering sustainable child care programs that support local economies.

With 28 years of experience in the childcare industry, Bertina recently rebranded her program with the help of Wonderschool, focusing on cultural awareness and educational empowerment for African American children. Her journey is inspiring, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she has faced, and the profound impact Wonderschool has had on her business.

Q: Where are you based, and when did you start your childcare program?
A: We’re based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. I started my childcare program 28 years ago, but I rebranded it in October last year. That’s when Wonderschool came into the picture for us.

Q: What led you to rebrand your program, and what is the focus now?
A: I wanted to create something focused on cultural awareness for African American children. I noticed that many African American and other children of color struggle with identity issues—things like the texture of their hair or the color of their skin. At five years old, these shouldn’t be concerns.

Our program emphasizes the beauty and importance of African American culture. We integrate cultural pride into our curriculum, highlighting African American professionals like dentists and astronauts. This way, children see that there are limitless opportunities for them. We also teach respect and inclusivity, ensuring that all children learn the value of embracing diversity.

Q: What was the name of your program before, and how has Wonderschool helped you?
A: It was called Peekaboo Childcare and was a traditional childcare center. Back then, I lacked the business knowledge to make it successful. Wonderschool changed that. They provided exceptional coaching on marketing, pitch competitions, financial management, and even grant writing.

The support from Wonderschool has been phenomenal, from hands-on guidance to personal visits from my coach. The business tools they offer, like finance tracking and parental communication features, have made my life so much easier.

Q: Can you share more about the challenges you faced when your previous center closed?
A: The failure was heartbreaking. I had to shut it down because I didn’t understand the business side of things, only how to take care of kids. It felt like losing a child. After stepping away for a while, I decided to try again, better prepared and with the incredible support from Wonderschool.

Q: How do Wonderschool's tools and features improve your business operations?
A: Wonderschool has simplified everything, from tracking payments to keeping parents updated with photos and meal logs. Parents love the ease of scanning in and seeing daily updates about their kids. The app ensures a seamless experience, even when I’m traveling. Having everything under one platform makes running my business efficient.

Q: What plans do you have for the future, and how has Wonderschool influenced them?
A: I’m opening a new center next year. This time, I’m doing everything differently, thanks to what I’ve learned from Wonderschool. We’re setting up a more sustainable business model, focusing on efficient financial planning and a better setup. I’m confident and excited for what’s ahead!

Q: Would you find value in having business banking features integrated into the Wonderschool platform?
A: That would be fantastic! Managing everything in one place would simplify things for me and my parents. Currently, I use both Zelle and Wonderschool for payments. If we could streamline everything, it would be a game-changer.

Q: How many children do you currently have enrolled, and how is your payment structure set up?
A: I have 14 children enrolled, with 12 attending daily. Three pay through subsidies, and the rest are private pay. Compared to my previous center, I’ve had to adjust rates due to inflation. Wonderschool is also helping me set up a sustainable pricing model for the new center.

‍Q: Do you feel like you’re thriving in your business now?
A: Absolutely! My business is growing, and the community’s support has been overwhelming.

Watch Bertina’s Interview

Wonderschool in Action: Growth and Financial Success

Since partnering with Wonderschool, Bertina has seen remarkable growth in her business:

• Enrollment Success: Bertina enrolled 14 children, with 12 attending daily, including nine enrollments driven directly by Wonderschool.
• Funding Wins: Wonderschool’s coaching and support enabled Bertina to compete successfully in three pitch competitions, securing $23,000 in grants to further expand her program.
• High Demand: Bertina’s center has a 34-person waiting list, showcasing the popularity and strong reputation My Little Love Bugs has gained in Grand Rapids.

Using Wonderschool’s digital tools, such as attendance tracking, billing, and family communication, Bertina’s program has flourished. Parents appreciate the daily updates on their children’s activities, meals, and health, all accessible through their phones. This connectivity fosters trust and satisfaction, enhancing family engagement and increasing retention through word-of-mouth referrals.

Economic Impact and Scalability in Child Care with Wonderschool

Bertina’s story underscores the economic benefits of investing in child care businesses that meet critical community needs. Wonderschool’s platform equips providers like Bertina with the support needed to maintain high enrollment rates and steady revenue. Key benefits include:

• Sustainable Pricing: Wonderschool helps providers like Bertina adjust rates sustainably to account for inflation while keeping care affordable for families.
• Consistent Income: Through the Wonderschool app, Bertina can rely on timely payments from parents, ensuring a steady income flow.
• Expansion Ready: As Bertina prepares to open a new location, Wonderschool’s resources help her refine her business and marketing strategies to keep up with demand.

Addressing Economic Development Goals with Child Care

Quality child care is essential for economic growth, particularly in communities where accessible programs allow more parents to participate in the workforce. Bertina’s experience shows how child care businesses can thrive with the right tools and support, benefiting families and the local economy. For economic development offices, Wonderschool offers a valuable partnership opportunity, providing a framework to create profitable, sustainable child care programs that meet community needs.

For more on Bertina Polk’s impact in Grand Rapids, visit My Little Love Bugs Child Care. Wonderschool provides a pathway to financial independence for child care providers, bolstering local economies while fulfilling a critical community service. Supporting child care initiatives through Wonderschool empowers providers to grow sustainable businesses that drive positive change in their communities.