Ms. Parks, owner of House of Joy Child Care in Detroit, MI, has cared for children for most of her life. Inspired by her mother, a special education teacher, she realized early that “each child learns differently” and that good care means adapting to each child’s needs. Her experience has included Montessori, Head Start, traditional child care, teen parent programs, and infant care. Most recently, she has been involved with the Eco-Healthy Child Care®’s Little Lungs, Big Futures indoor air quality monitoring initiative.

Ms. Parks said she has always been “a magnet to children,” and her love for working with young people continues to inspire her every day. “The more I know and the more I grow, it just automatically is contagious,” she shared, explaining why she joined the indoor air quality initiative. Through her participation, Ms. Parks received EHCC training, an air purifier, safer supplies, and air quality data for her facility.

Ms. Parks learned about the program through her professional network and quickly got involved. She appreciated not only the training provided but also the practical support. “The products alone were just a plus,” she said, noting that the air purifier and safer cleaning supplies helped her facility without adding extra cost. These materials helped supplement her implementation of the EHCC best practices she learned in training.

Since participating, she has added new habits to her routine at House of Joy, including checking outdoor air quality using the monitor, using an air purifier, and looking for concerns like moisture, leaks, and chipped paint. She also learned about the importance of “no idling” signs, using third-party certified cleaning products, and other everyday practices that help protect children’s health.

She said one of the biggest benefits was learning that small, affordable changes can make a big difference. “It was very feasible,” she explained, especially because the training and supplies helped stretch her budget.

Her advice to other providers is simple: take advantage of opportunities like this one. “This helps to elevate your marketing,” she said, adding that parents notice when providers go beyond the basics. “I’m an eco-friendly child care provider,” she said, and that commitment shows in the care she offers every day.