Community Highlights: Meet Michael Ingram of Bedford Heights Daycare/The Child Care Success Company

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Ingram.

Hi Michael, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I didn’t start in early childhood education thinking I’d one day be in the role I am today, but I’ve always been drawn to leadership, people, and building something meaningful.

My story really starts with my mom, who started our childcare program over 50 years ago. Watching her build something that has served children and families for generations showed me what dedication, resilience, and true commitment really looks like. That legacy inspired me to step into this work and continue growing what she started.

As I became more involved, I realized how much leadership shapes everything in early childhood education. The way a leader shows up impacts the children, the staff, the families, and the overall culture. That understanding pushed me to grow not just as an educator, but as a leader.

Alongside this work, I am also a yoga teacher. Yoga has played a major role in my personal and professional growth. It helps me stay grounded, present, and connected to my higher self. That mindfulness carries directly into how I lead, how I communicate, and how I support others. It allows me to lead with intention instead of reaction.

Today, I help lead and support the program, focusing on creating an environment where both children and educators can thrive. I believe strongly that when teachers feel supported and valued, everything else falls into place.

That passion for leadership and growth also led me into coaching. I wanted to extend my impact beyond our program and support other early childhood leaders in showing up with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

I’m committed to developing strong leaders who create lasting impact in early childhood education.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, and I think that’s what has shaped me the most as a leader.

Stepping into a program with a long legacy came with both pride and pressure. There were expectations to honor what was built over 50 years while also finding my own voice and leadership style. That balance was not always easy.

One of the biggest challenges has been people and leadership. Learning how to lead a team, hold people accountable, have tough conversations, and still build a positive culture takes time. There were moments where I had to grow quickly, adjust how I communicate, and really learn what it means to lead with both strength and empathy.

Staffing, consistency, and maintaining high standards in early childhood education have also been ongoing challenges. This field is not easy, and making sure the team feels supported while still delivering quality care and education requires constant attention and intention.

On a personal level, learning how to manage stress and not carry everything on my shoulders was a big obstacle. That’s where yoga became essential for me. It helped me stay grounded, think clearly, and lead from a place of intention instead of reaction.

Every challenge has been a lesson. None of it was easy, but all of it has helped me grow into a stronger leader, coach, and person.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Our organization is a nonprofit childcare program with a legacy of over 50 years, rooted in serving children, families, and the community with consistency and care. What started with my mom has grown into a program that continues to evolve while staying true to its foundation of quality early childhood education and support.

We specialize in working with both children and adults with special needs, which is a core part of who we are. Our team is committed to creating inclusive environments where every individual feels seen, supported, and able to grow at their own pace. That work requires patience, training, and heart, and it is something we take great pride in every day.

What sets us apart is our focus on people. We don’t just serve children, we support families, and we invest deeply in our educators. We believe that when staff feel valued, trained, and empowered, it directly impacts the experience of every child in our care. Our approach blends structure, consistency, and compassion, creating a strong foundation for both learning and development.

We are also known for our commitment to leadership and growth. Through my work in coaching and leadership development, that mindset carries into our organization. We are always looking for ways to improve, to grow stronger teams, and to better serve our community.

What I am most proud of is the legacy and the impact. Being part of something that has served the community for over five decades is powerful. We are not just a childcare program, we are a place where relationships are built, where children are prepared for the future, and where families feel supported.

What I want people to know about our brand is that we lead with intention, we serve with heart, and we are committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of those we work with every single day.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always curious, driven, and full of energy. I had an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. I loved figuring out ways to create, build, and make things happen. Whether it was organizing small projects, helping others solve problems, or taking initiative on ideas, I was always drawn to leadership and action.

Personality wise, I was determined and independent, but also caring and mindful of the people around me. I had a natural curiosity about how things worked and a desire to make a positive impact, which eventually led me into education and leadership. I also loved learning and exploring new things, which helped me develop the creative problem-solving skills I use every day in my work.

Yoga has been a part of my life since I was 18 years old. It has taught me discipline, mindfulness, and balance, and it has shaped how I approach challenges and lead others. Even as a kid, I think I had a sense of purpose. I wanted to do things that mattered, to create spaces and opportunities where people could grow and succeed. That entrepreneurial drive, combined with my dedication to yoga, continues to shape how I lead, coach, and grow in both life and work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Bhdaycare.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584975959777