Meet Michelle Tatarly of Little Explorer’s Preschool

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Tatarly.

Hi Michelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey in early childhood education began when I was just 14 years old, working at a small in-home daycare. I had the privilege of watching my employer—a strong, inspiring single mother—grow her program into a successful center in Rochester that has now thrived for over 25 years. Her passion and drive left a lasting impression on me, and I knew early on that this was the path I wanted to follow.

After graduating, I dreamed of opening my own program but didn’t believe it was financially within reach. I spent years gaining experience in both public and private school settings, continuing to nurture that dream. In 2023, with the encouragement and support of my long-term partner and his family, I was finally given the opportunity to bring my vision to life.

Launching Little Explorer’s Preschool has been one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my life. The road hasn’t been easy—navigating rezoning, state approvals, unexpected buildout costs, and the emotional weight of starting a business from the ground up was daunting. But thanks to the unwavering support of my family, friends, and the incredible families who entrusted me with their children in my very first year, we’ve created something truly special.

I’m deeply grateful to be living out the dream I once thought was impossible—and I wouldn’t be here without the people who believed in me every step of the way.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. The first major hurdle was finding a building—there are very few spaces in our area already zoned for early childhood use. Once we identified a location, we spent three months working through the city’s special land use approval process. The space itself had been vacant for over a decade and required a complete build-out. Thankfully, the building owner had an incredible team behind him, but this was their first experience with a licensed childcare facility, so there was a learning curve for all of us.

Even once we opened, like most new businesses, growth didn’t happen overnight. That weight can feel incredibly heavy at times—especially when you’re pouring everything you have into something that hasn’t taken full form yet. I made the decision to hire a business coach to help me strengthen my mindset, set realistic goals, and stay focused. I’ve faced a lot in my personal life and thought I had already developed resilience, but this experience stretched me in ways I never expected.

Starting a business like this can feel a lot like buying your dream home before having the salary to comfortably afford it—you have to hold on to faith. I’ve learned to trust that God wouldn’t have opened this door if it wasn’t the right path, even when the road ahead feels uncertain.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Little Explorer’s Preschool?
Little Explorer’s Preschool is a privately owned, play-based preschool located in Shelby Township, Michigan. We specialize in providing hands-on, sensory-rich learning experiences for children ages 18 months to 5 years old through both structured classes and engaging enrichment camps. Our program is rooted in the belief that young children learn best through exploration, creativity, and connection.

We use the HighScope Curriculum as our foundation, which supports active participatory learning and emphasizes a child’s natural curiosity. But what truly sets us apart is the environment we’ve created—one that balances academic growth with emotional development, creativity, and joyful learning. Every corner of our classroom is designed to inspire wonder and discovery, from potion stations and dramatic play to art, science, and outdoor exploration.

We’re known for our themed camps, unique sensory setups, and the genuine relationships we build with every child and family. Parents often share how surprised and touched they are by how much their child grows, not just academically, but socially and emotionally in our care. We’re not a one-size-fits-all program; we meet each child where they are, helping them build confidence, curiosity, and compassion.

What I’m most proud of brand-wise is that we’ve created something magical in our very first year—families have truly trusted us, and the response has been overwhelming in the best way. We’ve become more than a preschool; we’re a community, and that is something I hold close to my heart.

For readers considering early education options, I want them to know that Little Explorer’s is a place where your child will be known, loved, and encouraged every single day. We aren’t just preparing them for kindergarten—we’re helping them build a foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am terrible at picking up a book but my favorite podcasts for business would be Jasmine Star and The Goal Digger Podcast. For encouragement I love She is called and for fun Let’s be honest with Kristin Cavallari.

Pricing:

• My Little Explorer & Me is $95 a month
• Preschool is $255 a month
• Pre-K is $375 a month

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.littleexplorerspreschool.online
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little.explorerspreschool?igsh=NWU0dzdiNjB3bzRy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AWiqAHTUk/