The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
Caring for MI Future
Caring for MI Future
What is Caring for MI Future?
Caring for MI Future is a statewide effort to help child care entrepreneurs open 1,000 new or expanded child care programs by the end of 2024. This initiative, led by the Michigan Departments of Education and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (MDE & LARA) is focusing on what entrepreneurs need most to open and expand child care businesses—help finding and renovating space, startup funding, help recruiting staff, and support creating a business plan.
Caring for MI Future Toolkit
Learn more about the opportunities available to child care entrepreneurs with the new Caring for MI Future Toolkit, that helps you navigate the grants, resources and supports available through the Caring for MI Future project!
Caring for MI Future Data
The Caring for MI Future Implementation Team is working hard to support child care entrepreneurs throughout Michigan to open and expand their child care businesses, and to sustain their businesses long into the future. The following spreadsheets (which are updated monthly) highlight some of the projects and the counties where Caring for MI Future investments have been made:
In alignment with the goal of ensuring all children have access to high quality early learning experiences, The Caring for MI Future Urgent and High Needs Map was created to illustrate the known child care needs across the state in September 2022, using available data about staff shortage, the number of children competing for an available slot and child poverty rates for each county in Michigan.
An additional Child Care Desert Map and Chart have been created by MSU based on the census and LARA databases to show areas with potential “child care desert” issues at the county and zip code level.
Our Strong Start
Our Strong Start has a team of trained Navigators ready to support child care entrepreneurs in understanding and navigating the state child care licensing process. They are available to answer questions and to provide information about resources and training opportunities within the child care system.
Grants that are Currently Available:
-
For New or Expanding Child Care Businesses
Space
Child care businesses need access to affordable, licensable spaces to care for kids. $50 million in grant funding is available for minor renovations and improvements to facilities (both indoor and outdoor) to meet licensing and quality standards.
Start Up Funding
Cashflow is an ongoing challenge for child care businesses, especially new sites that must incur costs well before they have revenue. These investments will provide funds to assist with these gaps.
Staff
Entrepreneurs can’t open and expand their businesses if they can’t hire staff. These funds will continue our statewide effort to recruit, train, and retain talented early educators that live and work in the communities they serve.
Business Support
Many new businesses benefit from support from the state and their community to assess market demands, identify space, comply with health and safety rules and to create a sustainable business plan. These funds will align resources to make the startup and licensing process clearer and faster for providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Which opportunities and supports are available for new or expanding child care businesses?
- Our Strong Start (new and expanding businesses)
- Business Sustainability Support (new and expanding businesses)
- Facility Improvement Grants (expanding businesses)
- Pre-Licensure Grants (new businesses)
- Startup Funding Grants (new businesses)
- TEACH (support for temporary licensing variances)
- High School CTE Scholarships
-
What opportunities are available for community partners?
-
I’m a child care entrepreneur. What help is available to open or expand my child care business?
The best way to get started is to talk to a Navigator. They can help you start the licensing process, troubleshoot any challenges you’re facing, and connect you with grants. Just complete this simple form, and we’ll call you within 48 hours.
-
Family Resources
- If you are a parent searching for child care, visit Great Start to Quality for resources and information to assist you!
- Learn about how to get support to pay for child care through the child care subsidy program in this Child Care Eligibility Expansion Handout.
- Use this new calculator to see your family is eligible for low-cost or free child care, or visit Michigan.gov/childcare for a complete list of qualifying reasons.
- To apply for child care subsidy, check your eligibility status or manage your account in MI Bridges.
-
Who do I contact with questions about Caring for MI Future?
Do you have other questions? Please complete this inquiry form and a Navigator will contact you within 48 hours.