Looking for child care resources, coaching, or support for your child care program in Northwest Michigan? 

Networks Northwest is proud to host the Great Start to Quality Northwest Resource Center – Region 2, connecting child care providers, early childhood educators, and families with resources, support, and opportunities to strengthen early learning throughout Northwest Michigan.

Supporting Child Care Providers and Families

Great Start to Quality (GSQ) is Michigan’s quality recognition and improvement system for early care and education. It supports child care providers in strengthening their programs and helps families explore quality child care and preschool options in their communities.

Resources for Child Care Providers and Early Childhood Educators

The Great Start to Quality Northwest Resource Center – Region 2 offers resources and individualized support to help providers strengthen their programs and create positive learning experiences for children, including:

• Individualized coaching and technical assistance to support program improvement and quality practices.
• Professional development and training to build knowledge and skills in early childhood education.
• Professional networking and connections with other child care providers and early childhood educators.
• Quality improvement resources to support children's learning, development, and well-being.
• Guidance and support for navigating early childhood systems, resources, and professional opportunities.

Resources for Families

Finding the right child care or preschool can be an important decision for families. The Resource Center helps families connect with local resources and explore early learning options that meet their needs.

Families can receive assistance with:

• Finding child care and preschool options.
• Connecting with local early childhood resources.
• Exploring care options available in their communities.

Serving 10 Counties Across Northwest Michigan

The Great Start to Quality Northwest Resource Center – Region 2 serves child care providers, early childhood educators, and families in:

Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties.

As of October 1, 2026, the team is now part of Networks Northwest, providing the Resource Center with a stable, long-term home and additional organizational support. Providers and families will continue working with the same coaches and specialists they know.

Strengthening Child Care Across Northwest Michigan

The Great Start to Quality Northwest Resource Center – Region 2 is part of Networks Northwest's Child Care Initiatives department, which brings together regional partners and programs to support child care providers, strengthen the early childhood workforce, and improve access to quality care.

Quality child care supports children's brain development and social-emotional learning while helping establish the foundation for a strong future workforce. By investing in child care providers and early education, Networks Northwest helps strengthen families, businesses, and communities throughout the region.

Connect With Us

Looking for child care resources or support for your program?

Contact the Great Start to Quality Northwest Resource Center – Region 2 at 877-614-7328 or visit greatstarttoquality.org/northwest-resource-center.

These materials were developed under a grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential using Child Care Development Funds (CCDF).