Child Care

The regional child care system is critical infrastructure needed for the healthy functioning of northwest lower Michigan’s society and the economy. In addition, high quality child care can supplement the critical role of parents and families ensuring that children have the best possible chance to succeed in school and life.

Unfortunately, several factors are inhibiting the child care system from supporting our economic needs. The shortage of child care is preventing parents from fully engaging in work and businesses from hiring people. 

Networks Northwest is a proud partner in addressing the child care crisis in our region. We serve as the lead for the ten-county Regional Child Care Coalition. Through the coalition and various departments at Networks Northwest, we have numerous programs that contribute to the solution.

Networks Northwest coordinates the region's Early Education Wage Initiative to strengthen the child care system by increasing take-home pay for early childhood educators employed in licensed child care programs throughout the region. The initiative is funded by MiLEAP and will help generate data and insights to guide future wage and workforce policy, ensuring Michigan can continue building a competitive, high-quality early learning system. 

To find out more and apply to participate, click here. 

Northwest Michigan Works! offers DOL Registered Apprenticeship Programs in Early Childhood Educator and Child Care Worker occupations. Our team works with child care facilities to recruit, train, and retain the workers needed to maximize their licensed capacity. 

To find out more about Apprenticeship services, click here. 

 

 

 

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