East Central Child Care Coalition

The East Central Child Care Coalition is a group of community leaders across Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, Osceola and Saginaw Counties who want to support and increase the supply of high-quality childcare. 

This coalition brings together a wide range of stakeholders - including childcare providers, community leaders, economic development professionals and other key individuals - who are dedicated to thoughtful discussions and strategic planning. 

The coalition's goal is to create equitable solutions that not only increase access to childcare for families in the region, but also support the local economy by empowering childcare businesses. To shape and improve these solutions, the coalition has gathered feedback from various sources. This includes: 

• Conducting detailed analysis of public data
• Gathering insights from families, childcare providers, employers, and government officials through surveys to better understand the regional impact of childcare
• Hosting events to educate stakeholders on the importance and benefits of childcare

In 2023, the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC) awarded a grant from its Innovation Fund to the Middle Michigan Development Corporation (MMDC) to support regional childcare initiatives. This funding has accelerated the work of the East Central Childcare Coalition. MMDC collaborated with consultants from Data-Driven Decisions, the Gratiot/Isabella Great Start Collaborative, the Midland Great Start Collaborative, childcare providers, parents, businesses, and various community members to develop a regional plan aimed at supporting and encouraging ongoing investment in childcare in our region.  

Regional Action Plan Early Childhood Investment CORPORATION Free Preschool Information

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