What is the Regional Childcare Plan?

The Regional Childcare Plan

In 2023, the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District secured a $150,000 grant aimed at enhancing child care accessibility for families in Allegan and Ottawa County. The objectives of this plan include identifying gaps in current child care services, advocating for policy changes, and promoting initiatives that improve the overall accessibility, quality and affordability of child care.

Children with hands together on top of table
Young moms sitting in a circle with their kids

Who is Involved?

Committed to finding viable solutions, this coalition brings together representatives from various sectors, such as government agencies, non-profits, businesses, community groups, child care providers and families. The coalition is actively engaged in developing and implementing strategies tailored to our region’s unique challenges, aiming to enhance access to quality child care services.

Current Focus of Coalition

Our commitment lies in assisting the community across the following areas.

Accessibility and Inclusion

Disparities in access to quality child care services based on factors such as income, geography, race and special needs.

Affordability

High costs of child care services, making it financially burdensome for many families, especially those with lower incomes.

Building Sustainable Partnerships

Fostering long-term partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and educational institutions to support and sustain child care services in the region.

Limited Availability

Insufficient child care facilities and providers to meet the demand, resulting in waiting lists and reduced accessibility for families.

Public Awareness and Perception

Raising public awareness about the importance of quality child care and early education as well as changing public perceptions and attitudes towards child care services and providers.

Quality Concerns

Issues related to the quality and standards of child care services, including concerns about staff qualifications, safety, and educational components.

Workforce Challenges

Difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified child care professionals due to low wages and demanding work conditions.

Coalition Member Organizations

  • Allegan Area Educational Service Agency 

  • Community Mental Health

  • Department of Public Health

  • Gentex

  • Great Start Collaborative-Allegan and Ottawa

  • Head Start

  • HYK Consulting

  • Lakeshore Advantage

  • Michigan Department of Health & Human Services

  • Ottawa Area Intermediate School District

  • Ottawa County  Director of Strategic Impact

  • Outdoor Discovery Center

  • Perrigo

  • Ready for School

  • Talent First

  • The Source

  • West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

  • West Michigan Works

  • Western Region Great Start to Quality

Leading The Cause

Ottawa Area ISD logo

Ottawa Area Intermediate School District

OAISD aims to ensure that all learners in the Ottawa area have an opportunity to realize their potential, both as individuals and as part of a thriving community.

Allegan Area ESA logo

Allegan Area Educational Service Agency

Support and engage in partnership with our districts and communities to serve all families and create and drive educational innovations.

Lakeshore Advantage logo

Lakeshore Advantage

Lakeshore Advantage serves current and prospective companies in Ottawa and Allegan Counties, providing one-stop assistance for location, innovation, and growth.