Little Roots Child Care Opens in Petoskey with the Help of Regional, State, and Federal Partners, Addressing a Critical Need for Early Childhood Education
Little Roots Childcare hosted a ribbon cutting and open house this week to celebrate the opening of this first-of-its kind childcare center in Petoskey. The launch of this new childcare center was made possible through the leadership and generosity of the Manthei family in partnership with community and regional partners.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with two small-capacity childcare centers located in one facility, Little Roots will provide high-quality childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old, offering a vital solution to the persistent childcare shortage in Emmet County and the surrounding area.
The project was recently awarded a zero-interest loan through Great Lakes Energy (GLE), funded in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, the economic development organization serving the region, provided technical assistance to Little Roots, helping to secure needed funding for the renovation of the once-vacant church building into a childcare center.
For years, Northern Michigan has faced a “childcare desert” that has left hundreds of families on years-long waiting lists and forced many parents out of the workforce. With its opening, Little Roots will now bring up to 36 childcare openings to the region.
The realization of this project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of several regional partners committed to economic and community development.
“As a cooperative, one of our guiding principles is concern for community. Our partnership with NLEA to allow access to USDA funding for the communities we serve is a meaningful way we put that principle into action. Through this effort, we play a support role in helping build and sustain thriving communities where our members and their families can live, work, and play,” said Taylar Sides, Director of Broadband Operations at Great Lakes Energy.
“Part of USDA Rural Development’s mission is to provide financial backing to stimulate business creation and job growth in our rural areas. We are happy to have a like-minded partner such as Great Lakes Energy to help meet that goal through the Rural Economic Development Loan Program,” said Donald Mulson III, Business Programs Director at the United States Department of Agriculture.
The vision for Little Roots has been driven by a shared commitment among community leaders and partners to create lasting solutions for local families.
“I have been working in Early Childhood Education for over fourteen years, and I have always had a passion for caring for and teaching children. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Program Administrator of Little Roots Childcare and to be part of a small-capacity model,” said Megan Gardner, Little Roots Childcare Program Administrator. “Being one of the first centers in the state to become licensed under this new license type is exciting, and I am honored to help bring this innovative concept to life. I look forward to the impact we will make as we serve up to thirty-six children and their families.”
“Access to quality childcare is essential to a strong workforce and thriving communities,” said Payton Heins, President and CEO, of the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance. “Little Roots represents the kind of community-driven investment that helps families stay in Northern Michigan, enables parents to participate in the workforce, and supports a bright future for the next generation. We are grateful for the opportunity to support the Little Roots team and dedicated partners to help turn this vision into reality.”
Little Roots operates Monday through Friday, offering both full-time and part-time programs designed to foster child development through age-appropriate curricula and activities. By utilizing the Small Capacity Childcare Center model, a newer licensing category enabled in Michigan to facilitate smaller-scale community-based centers, Little Roots can offer competitive wages to its staff while remaining accessible to local families.
Families interested in enrollment at Little Roots Childcare are encouraged to visit or contact the center directly at 231-340-8767.
