BENZIE & GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTIES — Four new or expanding child care businesses are launching in Benzie and Grand Traverse Counties through a $400,000 state grant. The initiative focuses on increasing the availability of care for infants and toddlers, which is currently the most difficult type of child care to find in the region.
The program, known as the Infant & Toddler Child Care Startup expansion initiative, is administered by the Leelanau Early Childhood Development Commission. It follows a model established in Leelanau County in 2022 to provide financial aid for startup costs, licensing and home remodeling.
Participants are currently attending a “Business Boot Camp” to prepare for operations. This initial phase includes guidance from business community mentors on topics such as writing business plans, marketing and understanding cost projections. The program aims to ensure providers can earn a living wage and remain sustainable once they open.
The grant funding covers various expenses required to bring a provider’s home into compliance with Michigan licensing standards. This includes reimbursement for permitting costs, home remodeling, equipment, furniture and learning tools. Existing providers are also eligible for this funding if they expand their programs to serve more children.
Kayla Jajo is the owner of Little Learners Day care and one of the new enrollees in the expansion program. She is using the initiative to transition her business into a group home day care.
“Being a part of this amazing program allows my business to expand and further my day care services to additional families in my community,” Jajo said. “Without this opportunity I would not have the financial support to move forward with my goal of becoming a group home day care. I’m honored and very grateful to be part of this expansion.”
The initiative focuses on child care for mixed-age populations from birth to age 6. Organizers specifically emphasized care for infants and toddlers ages 0 to 3, noting that these services are currently the most difficult to find in the region.
Mary Ann Behm serves as the program coordinator for the initiative. She noted that the program still has capacity for additional participants beyond the initial four businesses.
“We are excited to have new, enthusiastic participants in the program,” Behm said. “Child care options have been drastically diminishing and this grant is critical in providing solutions for our working families. And we definitely have room in the program for more new providers.”
The initiative aims to eventually establish eight to 10 home-based child care programs in the area. Residents of Benzie and Grand Traverse Counties can still apply for the program by completing an interest form on the Leelanau Early Childhood Development Commission website.