Child Care

Regional Child Care Plan

In 2024, Networks Northwest worked with multiple community partners to lead a comprehensive planning effort. The process identified root causes of the child care crisis, as well as feasible solutions that can be implemented by the region.

The Regional Child Care Plan is focused on expanding access to quality, affordable child care for working families in the region - across Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee and Wexford Counties.

Full Report

Report Addendum: MicroCenters

Solution 1: State Investment

Solution 2: Local Public Funding

Solution 3: Policy Changes

Solution 4: Local Planning & Zoning

Solution 5: Provider Incubation

Solution 6: Community Facility Investments

Solution 7: Micro-Centers

Solution 8: Credential Pathways

Solution 9: Substitute Pools

Solution 10: Universal Preschool

Solution 11: Home-Based Universal Preschool Option

Solution 12: Employer Policies & Actions

Solution 13: Enhanced Family Navigation

Solution 14: Peer-to-peer & Community Collaboration

The Networks Northwest team did a great job to help the City of Charlevoix and Charlevoix Township collaborate in addressing housing challenges in our community. They facilitated dialogue with Planning Commissioners, community stakeholders, and municipal officials to develop a plan for cohesive zoning in areas of growth for our two governments. Further, they were able to pinpoint the challenges in each unit and propose changes that would be beneficial all around. Together, we believe we'll be better prepared for housing developments and job growth in our region. We look forward to working with them on future projects!
- Mark Haydlauff, City Manager, Charlevoix