BE A PART OF CHILD CARE EFFORTS
Expanding access to child care and early childhood education across our region is no small task — it takes a village. That means identifying connections, sharing knowledge, and building partnerships across every corner of the community. Whether you’re a parent who’s experienced the challenge of finding care, a provider with firsthand insight into the field, a business owner who’s felt the impact of the shortage on your workforce, or simply a resident who cares about our region’s future, the coalition has a place for you.
About the Coalition
The U.P. Regional Child Care Coalition (RCCC) is part of a statewide network of 10 regional coalitions which share a common goal: to build a stronger child care and early education system in Michigan. Each coalition develops a tailored work plan and executes that plan based on available funding provided via federal Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). Our coalition is currently co-lead by the Lake Superior Community Partnership and 4C of the U.P., the region’s Great Start to Quality provider. You can access the most recent work plan to better understand all the work that’s being done.
Participating in the Coalition
Comprising nearly 50 current members from across the region, the coalition meets bimonthly throughout the year with subcommittee work happening in between meetings. Most meetings are virtual to reduce travel costs and those which are in person include meals and often can help cover travel costs. Parents, providers, and business owners who are not receiving compensation to attend the meetings from an employer or other source are also eligible for a stipend in recognition of their participation.
What we ask of members:
- That you actively participate in meetings on a regular basis
- That you step up to help outside of meetings when you can
- That you sign up for at least one committee (see below)
- That you share updates on our work to your professional or personal network
Most of the actual work happens behind-the-scenes via five committees:
ECE Workforce: Ensures professionals in the field have access to resources to thrive in their careers, such as substitute teacher pools and professional development events.
Business Support: Provides guidnace and resources to help support existing and new child care providers as well as connect with the general business community about this important topic. Examples include Child Care SPARK and partnerships with locale economic development organizations.
Family Engagement: Works to understand the needs of families and connect them to resources. Examples include the Parent Liaison network.
Communications: Ensures accurate and timely information about early childhood education and child care services is distributed across our region. Examples include this website and social media resources.
Advocacy: Coordinates efforts to connect with local, state, and federal officials to ensure our region’s voice is part of larger efforts to address childcare issues. Examples include organizing panels, attending events, and coordinating outreach.
I’M INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE OR JOINING
If you’re interested in participating in the coalition, reach out below and someone will be in contact to get you set up.