Lil Love Bugs Daycare Opens on Detroit’s East Seven Mile

December 18, 2025

Detroit native Irene Hamilton-Sparkman has transformed a long-vacant building in the city's Pulaski neighborhood into Lil Love Bugs Daycare Center, addressing a critical shortage of licensed childcare facilities in Wayne County. The early childhood education center, which opened in July 2025 and held its grand opening in December, serves infants through five-year-olds with a structured learning program that includes meals and developmental activities. Hamilton-Sparkman received a $50,000 Motor City Match grant to renovate the property she purchased in late 2022, converting it into a licensed facility that can serve over 40 children compared to the 10 she previously cared for in her home daycare.

Who is affected

Detroit families with children from infancy through age 5 in the Pulaski neighborhood
Parents who need childcare to maintain work, school, and other responsibilities
Irene Hamilton-Sparkman (owner and operator)
Three childcare employees currently working at Lil Love Bugs
Families previously underserved in Wayne County, where licensed childcare slots serve only 21% of children ages 0-12
Neighbors and residents on East Seven Mile Road

What action is being taken

Lil Love Bugs Daycare Center is operating Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing care for children from infancy through age 5
The center is providing breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily
Children are following a structured schedule including circle time with letters, numbers, shapes, colors, and Spanish vocabulary
Older children are working on handwriting and name recognition
Infants are receiving developmental support including tummy time, sensory play, and guided physical milestones

Why it matters

This facility addresses a severe childcare crisis in Wayne County where 89% of zip codes are considered childcare deserts for infants and toddlers, and licensed slots can accommodate only 21% of children ages 0-12. Without safe, affordable, licensed childcare options, parents face impossible choices including missed work shifts, job loss, or leaving children with unlicensed providers, which destabilizes household income and family security. The lack of childcare disproportionately impacts families needing infant care, those without flexible work schedules, and those facing transportation barriers, while monthly costs of $702-$936 per child represent a significant burden for Detroit residents. Access to quality childcare enables parents to maintain employment and pursue career advancement, which strengthens both individual families and the broader neighborhood economy.

What's next

Hamilton-Sparkman plans to develop two adjacent buildings and a nearby lot she has purchased
Future expansion plans include after-school tutoring for grades three through six
A new playground is planned for the site
The center plans to increase its capacity to serve more children
Additional childcare jobs will be created as the facility grows

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle