Some people choose their path. Others are called to it. For Bertina Polk, caring for children has always been both a passion and a purpose — one she’s returned to time and again throughout her life.
After decades of experience in childcare centers, Bertina was burnt out and considering a career shift. She took a job at a pharmacy, where she thrived — but something was missing. “They loved me there, but they could tell it wasn’t my passion,” she said. Her boss noticed too, and encouraged her to start something of her own. He even helped fund the launch of her home-based program, My Little Love Bugs Childcare — named after her mother, who co-ran childcare programs with Bertina for years before being diagnosed with dementia.
A Place Where Every Child Feels Seen and Celebrated
At My Little Love Bugs, every detail is designed to help children feel confident in who they are. Bertina’s curriculum celebrates each child’s identity and helps them build confidence through stories, imagery and language that reflect their lived experience — all while helping them explore a world beyond their own.
Beyond childcare, her students become part of a community that sees their gifts, nurtures their curiosity and helps them grow into who they’re meant to become.
In 2023, Bertina received Opportunity Empowered funding through Thrive + Prosper. With that support, she was able to purchase new learning materials, books and classroom tools that brought her curriculum to life.
That first grant helped Bertina bring her ideas to life — turning what she imagined for the kids into something real and lasting. She reinvested those funds into her program and joined the Wonderschool platform, which keeps families connected with real-time updates and activity tracking.
Paying it Forward Through Mentorship
Even with her growing success, Bertina is quick to acknowledge the behind-the-scenes challenges that come with running a childcare business — especially the constantly changing licensing rules and compliance requirements.
Bertina sees mentorship as another way she can help others unlock their potential — and when they do, it strengthens families, businesses and the whole community. “If I can help someone avoid the pitfalls I’ve faced, that’s a win for them, their families and the children they care for.”
She’s already helped three other women prepare successful Opportunity Empowered pitches — and plans to help many more.
A Future Built on Love
What brings Bertina the most joy? “Watching the kids learn,” she beams. “Just today, we were doing a lesson on colors and they started spelling them out on their own!”
Looking ahead, Bertina hopes to open a small childcare center in Grand Rapids — one that builds on all she’s learned and continues to support families in new ways.
Her advice for others: “Know the basics. Separate business and personal finances. Understand what an EIN is. Use the resources around you. And if you find a program like Opportunity Empowered, go for it — it really does what the name says. It empowers.”
With Bertina leading the way, the future is in loving hands.
