Thanks to a $50,000 grant from PNC Financial Services' PNC Foundation, First Children's Finance will launch the Michigan Children's Chamber of Commerce, designed to strengthen early-child care centers across the state --with a focus on Detroit, Inkster and Pontiac.
It's been a rough couple years for the early-care industry. Since 2009, Wayne County lost at least 60 licensed centers for child care, contributing to a loss of over 1,400 slots for young kids in Southeastern Michigan. As a result, over 70 percent of state subsidy dollars in Michigan are paid to unlicensed guardians caring for kids.
"Low-quality care in the first few years of life can have a long-lasting impact on a child's learning and behavior," said Skillman Foundation President & CEO Carol Goss. "Quality care helps a child to develop a strong mind, body and spirit through a variety of experiences."
Business members of the Michigan Children's Chamber can receive small business mentoring and financial support. The Chamber will conduct 200 clinics in 2012 to help existing businesses overcome specific business issues to stay on their feet and keep their doors open.
Find out more
here.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.