Today we’d like to introduce you to Tea Shong.
Hi Tea, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Birth Toddlers & Beyond began as a small in-home program founded by my mom, Trina, who had a vision of creating a safe, loving place where children could thrive. What started in the basement of my grandparents’ house grew into a family passion. Over the years, my mom and dad (both longtime educators and coaches) instilled in me a love for teaching, leadership, and community.
As I pursued my own path, I realized early childhood education wasn’t just a career—it was a calling. After teaching kindergarten and seeing firsthand how foundational those early years are, I convinced my mom to open a third center, where I stepped into leadership. Together, we built systems, policies, and training that allowed our centers to grow while keeping our family values at the heart of everything we do.
Today, Birth Toddlers & Beyond has grown into multiple centers across Southern Michigan. We are proud to offer programs rooted in creativity, nature, and holistic development—where children’s imaginations are nurtured, families feel supported, and teachers are empowered. Our mission is simple but powerful: Ignite the spark in every child, family, and educator we meet.
Our story is still being written, but what hasn’t changed is our passion for children and our belief that with the right environment, every child can shine.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. One of the hardest parts of growth has been stepping out of the centers myself. This is not just a business for us—it’s our family’s passion—so finding the right people to lead with the same heart and energy we bring has been a challenge. Leadership in early childhood isn’t just about managing a building; it’s about inspiring teachers, supporting families, and truly living out our mission every day.
We’ve also learned that as much as we want to do everything, our administrators can’t carry the weight of everything. Over time, we’ve had to strip away extra responsibilities and distractions so that our leaders can focus on what matters most: making the centers a great place to teach, learn, and grow. It hasn’t always been easy, but these shifts have helped us protect our culture and keep quality at the center of all we do.
We’ve been impressed with Birth Toddlers & Beyond, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Birth Toddlers & Beyond is more than just a childcare center—we’re a family-driven early learning community with a mission to ignite the spark in every child. What started as a small in-home center by my mom, Trina, has grown into multiple locations across southern Michigan, but our heart has never changed: creating a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where children can thrive.
We specialize in high-quality early education built on creativity, nature, and research-based curriculum. Our programs emphasize social-emotional growth, literacy through EBLI and Heggerty, and individualized learning supported by tools like Brigance screeners and Teaching Strategies GOLD. Families know us for combining the warmth of a family atmosphere with the professionalism and structure of a leading early learning program.
What sets us apart is our holistic approach. We believe in strong partnerships with parents, celebrating milestones like preschool graduation, and creating classrooms where curiosity and imagination lead the way. We’re also proud of our low child-to-teacher ratios, consistent staff training, and innovative programs such as Spark Club, which encourage children to explore beyond traditional academics.
Brand-wise, we are most proud that when people think of BTB, they think of quality. That’s our 2025 word of the year and the standard we hold ourselves to every day—whether it’s through safe, engaging classrooms, meaningful teacher-parent communication, or being deeply involved in our community.
Above all, we want readers to know that Birth Toddlers & Beyond is a place where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn—and where families feel supported and part of something bigger.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is seeing the spark in others—whether it’s a child discovering something new in the classroom, a teacher realizing the impact they’ve had, or a family feeling at home in our centers. I find joy in watching people grow, thrive, and believe in themselves. On a personal level, I’m happiest when I’m with my family, running outdoors, and building a life filled with both purpose and connection. For me, happiness comes from knowing the work I do every day helps create brighter futures while also keeping me grounded in the people and passions I love most.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.birthtoddlers.com
