When a parent can’t find childcare, the impact reaches well beyond one household. It shows up as an open position an employer can’t fill, a skilled worker stepping away from a career, and a family weighing whether they can afford to stay in Northern Michigan. That’s why we’re proud to share that the Manthei Group and Little Roots Childcare, with support from the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, have been named 2026 Michigan Childcare Champions.
The statewide honor comes from Pulse, an initiative of the W.E. Upjohn Institute that works to solve Michigan’s childcare crisis through data-driven roadmaps and community partnerships. Honorees were celebrated on Thursday, September 24, at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing.
36 openings in a childcare desert
The recognition centers on Little Roots Childcare, a new childcare center in Petoskey that offers 36 openings for children in the region. For families in a part of the state long described as a childcare desert, that means access to reliable, professional care close to home, and the freedom to keep working.
“Little Roots means up to 36 families can re-enter or remain in the workforce, securing their economic future. In a region where the lack of childcare has kept too many parents on the sidelines, this childcare effort is exactly the kind of solution that strengthens our workforce and our economy.” — Payton Heins, President & CEO, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance
Why childcare is an economic development issue
Across Michigan, childcare access has become one of the defining questions in economic development. Childcare deserts like those in Northern Michigan are a major barrier to workforce participation and business growth: employers can’t hire people who can’t find care for their kids.
Pulse’s Childcare Champions program recognizes employers and organizations leading on solutions, from on-site childcare centers and Tri-Share participation to policy advocacy and regional coalition-building. The goal is to build models other communities can follow, and we’re honored to see a Northern Michigan partnership among them.
This year’s honorees join a growing list of Michigan Childcare Champions that includes past winners such as Bronson Hospital, Commongrounds, Genesee County’s HR Department, Hemlock Semiconductor, Kalsec, MSUFCU, and Wolverine Coil Spring.
What’s next
Little Roots is one piece of a larger effort. NLEA was recently awarded funding from the Frey Foundation, the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, and the Boyne Forever Foundation to advance additional childcare initiatives across Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet counties.
Congratulations to the Manthei Group and the Little Roots Childcare team, and thank you to every partner helping more Northern Michigan families build their lives and careers here.
Interested in partnering with NLEA on childcare or other workforce solutions? Get in touch to see how we can help.
