

What Is The Regional Childcare Coalition?
The United Way of the Lakeshore was the recipient of the Regional Childcare Planning Grant from the state of Michigan. Our grant serves Mason, Lake, Oceana, Newaygo, and Muskegon counties. Currently, our goals include assessing regional childcare needs, understanding municipal policies that might affect childcare, and creating an action plan for our region.
Childcare Input Sessions!
The United Way of the Lakeshore’s Regional Childcare Coalition surveyed families, employers, and providers and the results are in. We respectfully request your valuable input as we review the findings, discuss them, and develop some possible action steps. Your dedication to the care of our children positively impacts our economy by supporting working families who contribute to a growing, vibrant community.
November 7 - Newaygo Family Input Session 5:30pm | Newaygo County RESA 4747 W 48th St, Fremont, MI 49412
November 8 - Lake Employer Input Session 9am | Email amber@unitedwaylakeshore.org for invite.
November 9 - Muskegon Childcare Provider Input Session 6pm | United Way of the Lakeshore 31 E Clay Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442
November 13 - Muskegon Family Input Session 5:30pm | MAISD 630 Harvey St, Muskegon, MI 49442
November 16 - Mason, Lake, Oceana Childcare Provider Input Session 6pm | Hart Community Center 407 S State St, Hart, MI 49420
November 28 - Newaygo Employer Input Session 11am | 1 State Rd., Newaygo, MI 49337
November 29 - Muskegon Employer Input Session 11:30am | United Way of the Lakeshore 31 E Clay Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442
November 29 - Mason Family Input session 5:30pm (Not 29th) | West Shore ESD 2130 US-10, Ludington, MI 49431
Special note on family input sessions: All participants will be served dinner and receive a $50 gift card for their time. Must register in advance using the button below.
November Meeting:
November 8, 2023 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Zoom Meeting (Click Here to Join Zoom)
December Meeting:
December 13, 2023 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Zoom Meeting (Click Here to Join Zoom)

Looking for Childcare Programs & Don't Know Where To Start? Use Great Start to Quality!
Great Start to Quality is Michigan’s system, which sets the quality standards and evaluates the quality of early care and education programs. It is funded by the Department of Education. Great Start to Quality includes 10 Resource Centers across the state that work with programs to take steps to improve their quality. Great Start to Quality also shares information about programs with families and helps families select the right program for their needs.