We recently connected with Alyssa Reliford and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Alyssa, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

As a single mother, I once searched for the perfect place to nurture my child. However, my experience with a daycare ministry left me feeling unheard, disappointed, and disheartened. I was forced to quit my job due to my child being abruptly thrown out of his daycare with only 10 minutes notice. This challenging experience fueled my determination to create something better for my own child and for other families in similar situations.

I founded my daycare with the belief that every child deserves more than just a place to be watched; they deserve to be loved, nurtured, and prepared for the future. One key distinction I was passionate about was ensuring that parents’ voices would always matter.

As a first-time mom, I entrusted my child to a mother-and-daughter-run daycare, hoping for a supportive and nurturing environment. However, differences in our parenting styles led to tension.
I was ridiculed for advocating for my son, for asking questions, and for providing him with fresh homemade meals.
While I advocated for my child’s safety and well-being, my efforts were often met with resistance and confrontation rather than compromise, leaving me feeling misunderstood and discouraged as a mom.

But as parents, we are our children’s first line of defense. Childcare should be an extension of the village we build at home, and a parent’s voice should always be heard. I was deeply hurt by how my son was treated and by how the owners responded with retaliation rather than professionalism and care.

Sometimes respect, professionalism, and good service are not always guaranteed. Experiencing this firsthand strengthened my resolve to provide something better for families. We deserve businesses that offer excellence, professionalism, and respect to us as valued consumers—don’t we? At my daycare, we are faith-based and centered on values that teach children to be kind, compassionate, and strong in character. We believe in nourishing not only their minds and hearts but also their bodies, with homemade, never processed meals to help them grow healthy and strong. Our program goes beyond meeting basic care needs; we prepare children for both school and life by focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills—qualities that will guide them throughout their lives.

I understand firsthand the hopes and dreams that parents have for their children. That’s why I am committed to creating a nurturing environment that shapes them into tomorrow’s leaders. We also place great value on parents, because without parents, these children would not be in our care. We listen, we accommodate, and we understand—because parents are doing their best, and we are here to support them in every way we can. If you’re looking for a daycare that values both you and your child, nurtures their growth, and helps them thrive academically and personally, then I invite you to join us on this journey.

Stay connected with us through our socials, Facebook | Salt & Light Childcare Center, and Instagram | @slcc.indy

View our profile on Winnie to get a better scope of our licensed home daycare. https://winnie.com/place/salt-light-childcare-center-indianapolis

Contact us at (317)-296-3477 or [email protected] to get your tour scheduled, we cannot wait to serve you!

Alyssa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am Alyssa Reliford, woman of Christ, lover of all things fun, lover of humanity, mother and community leader!
I, as a single mother, started my daycare out of necessity and determination. My journey began when my son was kicked out of his daycare, an experience that forced me to quit my job the same day. I had always been an attentive, hands-on mom who believed in providing the best for my child, including fresh, homemade meals. Unfortunately, at the daycare he attended, my commitment to giving my son fresh food was seen as an inconvenience rather than a benefit. Instead of supporting an active, engaged parent who cared deeply about every detail of their child’s well-being, I was torn down and made to feel that my efforts were burdensome. I realized I wasn’t alone in wanting more for my child, and that experience pushed me to create the daycare I wished had existed for us. I founded a faith-based daycare that focuses on school and life readiness, helping children become future leaders with strong critical thinking skills. One thing that sets my daycare apart is that we serve only homemade, never processed meals, ensuring that every child is nourished with love and care. We foster an environment where parents are encouraged to be involved while respecting their voices, and every child’s development is prioritized. What I’m most proud of is how our daycare community empowers children and families. We aim to make a difference by not only preparing children academically, but also supporting their emotional and social growth. I want potential clients to know that at our daycare, every child is seen and heard, and we are committed to providing a nurturing environment where they can thrive.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been rooted in obedience to God, staying authentic, and focusing on serving people well. From the very beginning, I’ve tried to align my business decisions with what I believe God has called me to do, even when it felt challenging or counter to what the world might suggest. It’s not always easy, but I’ve found that being obedient to His guidance opens doors I couldn’t have anticipated. Authenticity has been key, too. I don’t try to pretend we’re something we’re not. We stick to our values—providing fresh, homemade meals, nurturing children’s growth in every aspect of life, and creating a supportive, faith-based environment. Families resonate with that, especially parents who are looking for a daycare that truly cares about their children’s overall well-being. Ultimately, serving people well has been the core of my strategy. I focus on doing what’s right for the children and their families, even when it takes extra effort. When you genuinely care for people and put their needs first, they notice. Word of mouth has been our biggest driver for growth, and that’s because the families we serve trust us and know that their children are in a place where they are loved, supported, and cared for deeply.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

My approach to leadership and business is centered around treating people like individuals, not numbers or robots. Everyone—whether it’s a child, a parent, or an employee—has feelings, dreams, and a life beyond the immediate interactions we have with them. I believe that when we take the time to build genuine relationships and rapport with others, they naturally want to give their best. The bond we create through respect, care, and understanding fosters a sense of loyalty and mutual support. I also strongly believe in servant leadership. Leading by example is crucial in maintaining high standards. When I expect something from my team, I first model that behavior myself. It’s important to me that my staff knows I’m right there with them, working alongside them and holding myself to the same standards that I set for others. This kind of leadership builds trust and encourages everyone to strive for excellence, not because they have to, but because they want to. All of this aligns closely with my faith. The closer I am to Christ and His teachings, the more effectively I can lead and serve like Him. When I align my actions with His example, it blesses everything—my business, my employees, and the families we serve. It’s a cycle of service and blessings that reinforces itself, and it’s been one of the greatest sources of strength and success for me as both a business owner and a leader.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://winnie.com/place/salt-light-childcare-center-indianapolis
• Instagram: @slcc.indy
• Facebook: @Salt&Light Childcare Center