Michigan’s economy needs a functional child care system to thrive: insufficient child care results in an estimated $2.88 billion annual loss statewide. Regional Child Care Coalitions were formed in 2023 to address the child care crisis through community-based, cross-sector solutions and expand access to quality, affordable child care for working families.
Regional Coalitions developed Child Care Action Plans in response to their communities’ needs. Each Coalition will continue to develop and implement sustainable solutions tailored to address region-specific child care challenges.
What are the Regional Coalitions’ priorities to build child care supply in Michigan?
- Support child care business owners and non-profits to thrive and expand, with the goal of increasing access to full day/full year child care for working families.
- Ensure families in the region are engaged in the Coalition’s child care supply building.
- Address early childhood workforce gaps by working with the region’s child care employers and other partners.
- Align existing child care and Pre-K navigation resources so that working families have the information and financial resources they need.
- Expand TriShare participation by recruiting employers, child care businesses, and non-profits to support working families, communities, and economic development.
Get connected with your Regional Child Care Coalition!
| Economic Development Region | Regional Action Plan(s) | Lead Organization | Co-Lead Organization(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Region 1 Gogebic, Ontonagon, Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, Iron, Marquette, Dickinson, Menominee, Delta, Alger, Schoolcraft, Luce, Mackinac, Chippewa | Regional Plan | Lake Superior Community Partnership | Community Coordinated Child Care Association of the Upper Peninsula |
| Region 2 Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, Wexford | Regional Plan | United Way of Northwest Michigan | Networks Northwest |
| Region 3 Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon | Regional Plan | Northeast Michigan Council of Governments | Develop Iosco |
| Region 4 Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Ottawa | Regional Plan Regional Plan Regional Plan | Vibrant Futures | The Right Place |
| Region 5 Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw | Regional Plan | Middle Michigan Development Corporation | Gratiot-Isabella RESD Midland County ESA |
| Region 6 Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair, Tuscola | Regional Plan Regional Plan | Child Care Network | Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership |
| Region 7 Clinton, Eaton, Ingham | Regional Plan | Lansing Economic Area Partnership | Capital Area Michigan Works! United Way of South Central Michigan |
| Region 8 Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Van Buren | Regional Plan | Sturgis Area Community Foundation | Southwest Michigan First |
| Region 9 Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, Washtenaw | Regional Plan | Child Care Network | Ann Arbor SPARK |
| Region 10 Oakland, Macomb, Wayne | Regional Plan Regional Plan | IFF | TBD |