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A Head Start for SAY Detroit Children with Bright Beginnings

November 20, 2025

In honor of World Children’s Day (November 20), we’re taking a look back at one of the very first projects supported by SAY Detroit’s founding in 2006. With funds raised through its earliest efforts, SAY Detroit joined Ilitch Charities to help fund the creation of the Bright Beginnings Infant and Child Development Center.

COTS Bright Beginnings

Bright Beginnings is a free day care program for infants and toddlers. Ninety-nine percent of its clients are mothers who are working, seeking work, or coming through treatment, many of whom require extra special care due to current family circumstances. Aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness while providing quality education to its students, Bright Beginnings is designed to keep children happy and safe while preparing them for a bright future with the priceless gift of education.

bright beginnings kid 1

According to research studies, 75% of all homeless children under the age of five have at least one major physical, emotional, cognitive or behavior delay. These delays can inhibit growth into fully functional adults, which can perpetuate the cycle of homelessness. COTS’ highly-trained and dedicated staff gives each child a solid foundation to grow and learn. COTS strives to ensure that these children receive greater tools for success and to provide the continued assurance that they are special to the world.

Without the child care help Bright Beginnings provides, it is almost impossible for homeless women to find the work or complete the education that breaks them out of a cycle of poverty and homelessness.

Bright Beginnings offers:
Three healthy meals daily
Diapers at no additional cost
Supply of baby formula
New learning environment
New outdoor playground
High/Scope Infant & Toddler Approach Curriculum (developed in 1964 and considered one of the world’s foremost authorities in the field of child development)