Director's welcome

Mercedes Fleet is the proud Director and Founder of Bright Little Scholars Early Learning Centers, established in 2014 as a home-based child care program. Guided by her vision to serve more families with exceptional early learning opportunities, Mercedes has since expanded Bright Little Scholars into two full-service centers—each providing the same nurturing, high-quality educational experience that has been the hallmark of the program from the start.

With over a decade of experience working with young children, Mercedes’ passion for early education extends far beyond the classroom. For more than five years, she served as a resource (foster) parent through Children’s Choice, Inc., offering a safe and loving home to children in need. Her dedication to creating supportive environments for all children is reflected in every aspect of Bright Little Scholars’ mission and daily operations.

Mercedes earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2020 and went on to complete her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with Pre-K to 4th Grade Teaching Certification from Lincoln University in 2022, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

In addition to leading Bright Little Scholars, Mercedes is a passionate advocate for early childhood education across Pennsylvania. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Family Child Care Advisory Council, is a member of the Pennsylvania Early Childhood Provider Council, and volunteers on the Advocacy Committee of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Early Childhood Coalition (SEPECC). Through these leadership roles, she works to strengthen child care policy, elevate provider voices, and promote equitable access to high-quality early learning for all children.

Under her leadership, Bright Little Scholars is licensed by the City of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), and proudly holds a Private Academic License to offer both Nursery (ages 3–4) and Kindergarten (age 5) programs.

Mercedes takes immense pride and joy in the growth of every child enrolled at Bright Little Scholars. She warmly invites families to visit, tour the classrooms, and meet the center’s dedicated team of educators who share her unwavering commitment to nurturing lifelong learners.