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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Infant & Toddler Child Care Start-Up (ITCS) Expansion, 2025

Q: I heard there has been some new funding for starting a child care business. Where did the money come from?

A: The ITCS Expansion initiative is made possible from a grant between the State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Leelanau Early Childhood Development Commission. This grant provides both financial and coaching support to providers, including start-up or child care program expansion expenses, training, business boot camp, and coaching in the areas of child care best practices, licensing, and business.

Q: How can I learn more about this opportunity and how the Infant & Toddler Child Care Start-Up Expansion initiative works?

A: This website has details about the initiative; specifics are available on the Step-by-Step Process Overview page.

Q: How is the grant money being used to expand the number of child care businesses?

A: In summer 2025, the Infant & 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 initiative focuses on increasing the availability of quality child care for mixed aged (children aged zero to six) populations 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.

Q: I am an existing provider. What can you do for me?

A: This grant may be able to help you expand your business to serve additional infants and toddlers. You are encouraged to reach out to us by completing the Interest Form.

Q: When will the grant program be available?

A: We are enrolling providers now. Get started by filling out the Interest Form on the website.

Q: I have never been a child care provider before, but I think I want to be one. Am I eligible?

A: The grant is available to anyone who meets the ITCS basic eligibility standards. Fill out the Interest Form on this website and we will contact you to discuss your eligibility. (Please see eligibility requirements question, below)

Q: Can I do it in my home?

A: Yes. Most homes already meet the standards set by the State of Michigan for a home-based child care facility. A personal and licensing coach will be assigned to all eligible providers in this program to ensure their home meets the requirements.

Q: Can I open a child care facility in a facility other than my private residence?

A: In 2023 the Michigan Department of Child Care Licensing approved implementation of a new innovative pilot home based child care program model to be offered in a facility other than a private residence in Leelanau County on a trial basis. Currently efforts are underway requesting this approved pilot program, called a Micro-Center, be expanded into Benzie and Grand Traverse Counties. EMILY LOST THE COPY THAT WAS HERE IN PINK

Q: What are the eligibility requirements to be a child care provider?

A: To be a home-based child care provider, an individual must be at least 18 years of age, have completed high school (or equivalent), have no criminal history, and complete basic first aid and safety training. In addition, the provider must follow basic business standards specific to child care, such as child safety, insurance, accounting, documentation and certain legal requirements.

Q: Where can I find out exactly what’s required to become a licensed infant and toddler child care provider?

A: The details of the requirements are on the Step-by-Step Process Overview page.