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The Michigan Office of Great Start contracted with Public Sector Consultants to hold several community forums around the State to discuss childcare.The Traverse Bay Great Start Collaborative was asked to host the only forum taking place in northern Michigan. Organizers hope to draw more than 300 participants to the forum people from all community sectors including business/employers, parents/employees, childcare and education providers, community development and planning, and social services among others.

Participants at the forum will be asked about changes and resources that are needed to improve the child care system; the best avenues and strategies for informing parents about high-quality child care options; how well the current provider licensing and inspection process works; and how to evaluate the success of the child care system among other topics.

Access to childcare is one of the two biggest barriers to work and continuing education, the other being transportation, Traverse Bay Great Start Coordinator Mary Manner said. This is our opportunity to tell our stories about the challenges of raising families in northern Michigan and influence changes in the access to quality, affordable childcare.

Event Details:

Date:

February 3, 2016

When:

8 a.m. registration

8:15 10:15 a.m. forum

Where:

Faith Reformed Church Family Learning Center

1139 E. Front Street

Traverse City

Free parking is available at the location

Reservations:

Please RSVP by January 29. Space is limited for this event.

Questions:

Email or call Mary Manner, (231) 995-7114

http://tcchamber.org/blog/2016/01/13/community-childcare-forum-coming-to-northern-michigan/