Where Big Dreams Begin: How One Entrepreneur is Transforming Child Care in the Lansing Region
Written by Katie Goble, Digital Marketing Intern
High-quality care and education—two things every child deserves access to. Yet in the Lansing region, many families face barriers to securing reliable child care. As a recognized “child care desert,” our community struggles with a shortage of accessible, affordable options. But where others saw a challenge, Jacqueline Taylor, owner of Little Dreamers Early Learning Center, saw a calling.
In 2015, Jacqueline began offering care to just six children from her home. What started as a small, home-based operation quickly grew into something much greater—a vibrant early learning center known for its nurturing environment and strong educational foundation. Today, Little Dreamers is a beacon of hope for Lansing’s families, and a driver of regional economic growth. And it’s all thanks to Jacqueline’s vision and determination, and support from LEAP and the Capital Area Child Care Coalition (CACCC).
Jacqueline founded Little Dreamers with a simple but powerful mission: Every child deserves access to high-quality, individualized care that fosters their cognitive, behavioral, social, and physical growth to reach their fullest potential.
This mission comes to life every day in her center. Whether they’re exploring nature, tending the garden that provides fresh ingredients for their meals, or learning through creative, research-based programming, the children at Little Dreamers are surrounded by love, structure, and opportunity.
But Jacqueline’s vision didn’t stop there. As demand for child care in Lansing continued to rise, she knew she wanted to grow—and she knew she couldn’t do it alone.
In 2023, Jacqueline joined the Elevate Program, LEAP’s Black business accelerator. Designed to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses, Elevate provided Jacqueline with the strategic support, funding guidance, and mentorship she needed to take the next big step.
And in November 2024, that next step became a reality. Little Dreamers officially expanded, doubling its capacity from 30 to 60 children, creating 15 new jobs, and opening a brand-new 3,000-square-foot addition featuring new classrooms, a larger outdoor play area, and enhanced learning spaces.
Behind the scenes, the LEAP Team and CACCC walked with Jacqueline through every step of the expansion—helping her navigate licensing, funding opportunities, and planning logistics. With over 70 members, CACCC acts as a regional hub for connecting families and providers with the resources they need. Co-led by Capital Area Michigan Works!, and United Way of South Central Michigan, the coalition is making tangible progress toward solving one of the region’s most pressing challenges.
Today, 46 families are enrolled at Little Dreamers—and counting. Jacqueline’s team now offers services that include the Family Advisory Board, an opportunity for parents/guardians to take an active role in their child’s care, before- and after-school care, and tailored educational programs for children from birth through age 12. With experienced, CPR-certified staff, trained in the latest early childhood research and practices, families feel confident knowing their children are safe, supported, and growing.
And the impact extends beyond education. Child care is a foundational component of a thriving economy. When families have access to safe, high-quality care, parents can fully participate in the workforce, invest in the local economy, and contribute to the success of our regional businesses. When children have strong starts, the future workforce gets stronger too.
Little Dreamers is now not only a trusted name in child care—it’s an award-winning business. In 2025, Jacqueline was named an ATHENA PowerLink recipient, and Little Dreamers received Minority Business of the Year from Michigan Celebrates Small Business.
LEAP and CACCC exist to help stories like Jacqueline’s happen again and again across our region. Because we know that when child care access grows, so does everything else—job opportunities, workforce participation, business success, and future prosperity.
To learn more about enrollment or career opportunities at Little Dreamers visit their website.
To see how LEAP is helping communities grow across the Lansing region, visit our website, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know.
Category: Business Expansion, Economic Development News, Entrepreneurship & Innovation