LARA (The MI Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs), and its partners the City of Detroit and Hope Starts Here, hosted small expos to help Detroiters understand the five phases to opening a childcare business. The events, held in October and November at the Northwest Activities Center and the Farwell Recreation Center allowed participants to:
- Hear the necessary requirements when considering the type of child care business to open.
- Map a journey to help get businesses with opening timelines, stakeholders, fees and paperwork.
- Obtain licensing, permitting, and opening information specific to child care businesses by leveraging the city’s Open for Business Guide, providing direction with additional details on the LARA process.
- Understand what support is available after licensure, including reimbursements and other incentives.
The events, attended by 400 participants, discussed the pathway to open three types of centers: Family Home Care, Group Home Care and Child Care Centers.
Participants provided great feedback and felt the event was largely successful. More than 70% of surveyed attendees felt the on-site teams answered all of their questions. “I thought all the organizations were helpful and I enjoyed being able to speak to the representatives,” one attendee said.
In addition, more than half noted they received everything they needed to complete the licensing process, which is a huge win for everyone involved. “Staff were very helpful, and provided useful information to participants. Also had very encouraging words of support.”
Similar events will be held in the future and potentially in a different format to maximize learning opportunities.
Denise Smith, Hope Starts Here’s Implementation Director, stated, “Making sure those who care for our children have the support and guidance they need to open their own childcare business is a huge priority, as it is a process that can be overwhelming! More quality programs mean less children and families without a stable option for care.”
LARA, the City of Detroit and Hope Starts Here are committed to the availability of quality child care and look to support people interested in opening such businesses. To that end, these teams provide the education and resources to help applicants succeed, and help initiate quality child care for Detroit’s children.
Interested in opening a child care business? Learn more here.
