Infant & Toddler Child Care Start-Up
Expansion 2025
To get started:
To get more information,
find out if you are eligible and access the Interest Form, visit these pages:
“Were it not for this startup, there’d be no way I would even go into this. They are making a possibility a reality for people.”
“This is the most amazing opportunity. They’re essentially helping you start your own child care business.”
Want to own or grow a child care business? You can do it! We will help you.
The Infant & Toddler Child Care Start-Up (ITCS) Expansion initiative is designed to increase child care capacity in Benzie and Grand Traverse Counties through funding and supporting new or expanded child care programs.
The ITCS Expansion initiative focuses on increasing the availability of child care with an emphasis on infants and toddlers ages 0-3 in both counties, ensuring that families have the support they need to thrive and providers earn a living wage.
This initiative is a collaboration utilizing expertise and support from child care professionals, organizations, businesses and community members.
We will support you.
A team of collaborative child care and business experts will provide you with:
1. Financial assistance, for licensing and start-up or growth costs
2. Licensing coach, to guide you through the State’s child care license application process
3. Business Boot Camp, to plan, launch, expand and operate a child care business
4. Personal coach, to help you establish best child care practices and quality
5. Learning materials, like toys, books, and other resources
What we know:
• High-quality early childhood experiences lay a crucial foundation for future success in both education and life. Research indicates that approximately 85% of human brain development occurs by the age of three. This underscores the importance of providing rich, supportive environments for young children, as these early years significantly impact cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
• Available child care services play a vital role in enabling parents of young children to pursue employment or education. A child care system that offers affordable, high-quality care is essential for fostering economic development and promoting community growth. By supporting parents in their professional and educational endeavors, we create a stronger workforce, enhance family stability, and contribute to the overall well-being of our communities.
• The regional child care system doesn’t have enough capacity to meet the needs of families with young children, and the need is most acute for children under the age of three. (1)
• Families have varied needs and preferences when it comes to child care. These include considerations of cost, location, hours, curricula, and caregiver qualifications. Acknowledging these diverse needs is essential to ensuring that child care options are suitable for all families.
(1) Regional Child Care Plan 2024, Networks Northwest Coalition Region 2, Final Report
Initiative Background
In summer 2025, the Infant and Toddler Child Care Start-Up (ITCS) Expansion initiative was launched in Benzie and Grand Traverse Counties.
Building on the successful model from Leelanau County, this initiative aims to expand access to quality, affordable child care for working families in the region. The ITCS Expansion initiative is made possible through a grant between the State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Leelanau Early Childhood Development Commission
Initiative Goals
Ensure diversity
Expand capacity
Ensure quality
Enhance sustainability
Every provider’s process will look a little different, depending on your unique circumstances. Regardless of your path, know that the ITCS team, coaches, and participating existing childcare providers are rooting for you and are here to help you!
If you have questions, visit our F.A.Q. page.
