Early Spark Academy

Our Teachers

Amanda Bailey, Early Spark Academy Owner

Amanda graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education, an endorsement for Early Childhood Education, and a minor in Integrated Science. She began her professional career as a Reggio Emilia model educator at the Early Childhood Education Center. After the birth of her oldest son, she became a certified HighScope Pre-K teacher.

After the birth of her youngest son, she also received a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, became a Certified Google Educator, and a member of ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education).

In addition to being a Makerspace curriculum/creator and children’s books author, she is also a maker/multisensory learning enthusiast, and advocate of intentional play.

Philosophy

Early education has been proven to provide a strong foundation for lifelong learners and is a crucial part of development. At Early Spark Academy, we consider ourselves “brain architects” that teach to multi-intelligences. We understand that every child learns in their own unique way. That is why our classrooms are designed to accommodate and support different types of learners through play-based, STEM-inspired experiences. We recognize that some children learn better by listening, others by seeing, and still others by doing. Our teachers will use a variety of strategies to engage all types of learners, such as visual aids, hands-on activities, and verbal instruction. From kinesthetic learners to auditory learners, our childcare center is dedicated to helping each child reach their full potential. This helps to ensure all learners can find success in our classrooms.

Early Spark Academy supports children by being a resource and partner in intentional learning as they gain new skills and a global perspective of the world around them. We strive to support and nurture children, of diverse backgrounds, as they develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as, motivation, positive self esteem, social, emotional, and conflict resolution skills in a safe and intellectually inspiring atmosphere.

Location

You can find us situated on Lahser Road, near the intersection with 10 Mile Road, conveniently off the John C Lodge Freeway in Southfield, Michigan. Our location is directly across from Southfield High School for the Arts and Technology. Ample parking is available, and we have a beautifully landscaped outdoor area.

About our program

At Early Spark Academy, we are dedicated to providing an optimal learning environment that is both safe and stimulating. Founded in 2019 and opened in 2023, we are proud to be a woman-owned and operated provider of exceptional childcare. Our owner and founder, Amanda Bailey, is an experienced Pre-K teacher, expert in early childhood development, Innovative Learning Specialist, and Makerspace creator who has worked in the education field for over 10 years. 

Our goal is to provide a quality, nurturing, and stimulating early childhood learning environment to children from toddlers to five years old. We understand that these are the most important years of development and recognize the critical role they play in laying the foundation for future learning and brain development.

With our innovative learning techniques and focus on creativity through play-based learning, our team is passionate about ensuring that our students are engaged learners and get the best possible start in life.  With our range of activities and experiences, our students are sure to have a fun and educational time at Early Spark Academy. 

Admissions

Thank you for your interest in Early Spark Academy (ESA)! 

You can join the Early Spark Academy community in three easy steps!

1. Explore our website

We’ve provided information about our philosophies and offerings to help you decide if our program may be right for your family. Enrollment is now in progress for new families.  Classes will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Full time, five-day enrollment does take priority. ​

2. Tour our program

Come see what makes Early Spark Academy unique. If we are currently hosting tours, you can request or schedule a tour at the top of this page. If we are not currently hosting tours, you’ll see a Request Info button at the top of this page and if you submit your information using this button, we will notify you when we start host tours again in the future.

3. Submit an Enrollment Application

If you’re interested in enrolling, submit an application by selecting Apply to enroll. If this option if not available, you can message the program director. Please do not apply to enroll until you have set up a tour and visited the program.

If a space is not available for your child, you will be notified by email that your family has been placed on our waitlist and we will let you know if a space becomes available later in the school year.

​Please contact our front desk with any questions at [email protected] or at 313-591-0094.