CHILDCARE
INITIATIVES
Supporting the people who make childcare possible.
Quality childcare depends on strong childcare providers.
United Way of the Lakeshore works directly with licensed childcare providers in Muskegon County to build relationships, strengthen their businesses, connect them with resources and professional development, and elevate their voices.
Two initiatives are at the heart of this work: Child Care Connections and the Childcare Association of Muskegon Providers (CAMP).
Together, they are helping build a stronger, more connected childcare community for the providers who care for more than 500 local children and make it possible for hundreds of families to work.
CHILD CARE CONNECTIONS
Connect. Learn. Grow.
Child Care Connections brings licensed home-based childcare providers together each month at United Way of the Lakeshore for networking, support, and professional development.
Facilitated by United Way's Childcare Development Coordinator, the group gives providers a place to build relationships with others who understand their work, share best practices, learn about resources and opportunities, and discuss the challenges affecting their businesses and the families they serve.
Today, approximately 45 home-based childcare providers participate in Child Care Connections.
The work is supported by an Arbor Circle Family Child Care Network grant, funded by the State of Michigan, which provides workforce and professional development opportunities for licensed home-based childcare businesses.
More Than a Meeting
The relationships built through Child Care Connections also help United Way better understand what childcare providers are experiencing.
By listening directly to providers, we can identify common challenges, connect providers with resources, bring new voices into community conversations, and help ensure the experiences of local childcare professionals inform efforts to strengthen childcare in Muskegon County.
CAMP - CHILDCARE ASSOCIATION OF MUSKEGON PROVIDERS
Stronger providers. Stronger businesses. Stronger community.
The Childcare Association of Muskegon Providers, or CAMP, was created by United Way of the Lakeshore in partnership with Access Health and Goodwill Industries to give licensed childcare businesses another way to connect, grow, and strengthen their voice.
Unlike Child Care Connections, which specifically supports licensed home-based providers, CAMP membership is open to licensed childcare businesses throughout Muskegon County, including centers and home-based providers.
Today, CAMP includes approximately 40 members.
CAMP Membership Connects Providers With:
Affordable Health Coverage
Eligible providers can access affordable health coverage through Access Health.
Networking & Connection
Providers build relationships, share best practices, and learn from others working in childcare.
CAMP Fire Training Events
Members have access to training and professional development opportunities designed around the needs of childcare professionals.
Advocacy
CAMP helps elevate the voices and experiences of childcare providers in conversations with policymakers and community leaders.
Business Connections
Membership includes access to the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, helping childcare businesses connect more deeply with the broader business community.
Information & Communication
A quarterly newsletter keeps providers informed about resources, opportunities, and issues affecting the childcare industry.
