Designation will help advance local efforts to expand access to quality child care in Livingston and Washtenaw Counties
Child Care Network has been selected as the Lead Organization for the Regional Child Coalition in Michigan’s Regions 6 and 9, a key step forward in the community’s ongoing effort to increase access to high-quality child care. This designation enables the organization to implement the strategies developed by the Livingston and Washtenaw Child Care Coalition and outlined in its regional action plan.
The Livingston and Washtenaw Child Care Coalition, led by Ann Arbor SPARK, is a collaboration of local business and economic development partners, child care administrators and providers, and parents. The group came together to identify challenges and design actionable solutions to expand child care access and strengthen the early childhood ecosystem in the region. With Child Care Network now serving as the Lead Organization, the coalition is poised to move from planning to implementation.
Child Care Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to quality child care for families in Southeast Michigan. Serving Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, Lenawee, and Jackson Counties, the organization connects families with child care resources, provides financial assistance to eligible households, and supports child care providers through professional development and business support services. With decades of experience and deep community ties, Child Care Network plays a vital role in strengthening the region’s early childhood infrastructure.
“This designation strengthens our ability to expand the coalition’s work and move forward with real momentum,” said Phil Santer, Chief of Staff at Ann Arbor SPARK. “Having Child Care Network take on the role of Lead Organization allows us to continue this important cross-sector collaboration and address a critical workforce and community issue.”
As Lead Organization, Child Care Network will coordinate and support a newly expanded regional coalition comprised of members from both the Livingston/Washtenaw and Hillsdale/Lenawee/Monroe coalitions, while also welcoming new partners from Jackson County. This unified group will work collaboratively to implement the strategies outlined in both regional child care action plans, while continuing to engage community stakeholders and adapt to the evolving needs of families and providers across all five counties. Action plans are available at annarborusa.org/childcare.
“We are honored to take on this leadership role and continue advancing the work that so many community partners have contributed to,” said Annette Sobocinski, Executive Director of Child Care Network. “Expanding access to affordable, high-quality child care is essential for families, child care professionals, and employers across our region. This work has never been more important.”
For more information about the Livingston and Washtenaw Child Care Coalition and to view the regional action plan, visit annarborusa.org/childcare.
