A $23 million dollar federal grant is the beginning of a long-term plan to address the child care crisis in Michigan.
The program called “Our Strong Start” is said to fund 1,000 new child care programs by the end of 2024. Applications are now open for childcare entrepreneurs looking to expand their business.
Emily Laidlaw is the director of Child Care Licensing for the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. She said the grants can assist both licensed and unlicensed childcare providers.
“We have a team of trained navigators available to help you through the process,” she said. “Now is the time to utilize these resources and start your own business.”
So far, Laidlaw said the state has received six applications for start-up grants and 42 applications for new child care licenses.
“Parents across the state are struggling to find what meets their needs,” Laidlaw said. “Our goal is to increase access and give parents more choices for care that meets their needs and their budget.”
For more information about the grant, visit the Our Strong Start website here: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/cclb/our-strong-start.
