Michigan

Our Michigan team was founded in 2008 to serve the needs of child care businesses in the Detroit. The team has a deep understanding of the importance of early care and education’s impact on underserved communities, and has provided critical support to business owners in Southeastern Michigan.

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is leading a comprehensive, statewide effort – Caring for MI Future – to increase the number of licensed child care programs across the state. Caring for MI Future is a $100 million investment that will help more Michigan families find quality, affordable child care in their community by opening 1,000 new, or expanded, child care programs by the end of 2024. First Children’s Finance received $4 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding, awarded by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) as part of the Caring for MI Future initiative.

First Children’s Finance will be leading two initiatives focused on the sustainability and supply of Michigan child care: expanding the Rural Child Care Innovation Program to serve 6 more rural communities, and providing comprehensive business support services for emerging and existing child care businesses.

 

 

What Our Michigan Clients Are Saying

“Being in the Business Leadership Cohort was equivalent to several business college courses. It  prompted my initiative to build our business plan. Breaking down the business plan simplified the process and eliminated the overwhelming aspect.

I particularly liked the break down of sessions because it allowed me, as a business owner,  the time to absorb the information and apply it effectively. Overall, the training was beneficial because it allowed me to organize things. The fact that all business scenarios and material was directed toward early child care truly simplified things because we knew exactly where to apply the information. That eliminated that gray area. I really appreciate the cohort and I truly appreciate the FCF staff because her wealth of knowledge and delivery is an essential part of why this cohort was beneficial!”

LaShawn Bridges, Child Care Entrepreneur, Blessed Beginnings

 

Blessed Beginnings Increases Financial Stability

Owner, Mrs. LaShawn Bridges of Blessed Beginnings Learning Center, LLC was faced with shoeboxes of receipts and loads of documents with no real system for managing her family child care business records. 
Success Story

Benefits

Partner with us and take immediate steps towards achieving:

  • financial growth and stability,
  • an efficient and rewarding workplace for you and your staff, and
  • care that’s tailored to the needs of local families, employers, and your community.

We can help you to develop:

  • Business Practices & Policies
  • Facilities Management
  • Finance
  • Human Resources
  • Managing Enrollment
  • Marketing
  • Partnerships
  • Program Planning & Evaluation
  • Staff Training & Professional Development
  • Systems Compliance
  • Board Governance (for nonprofits only)
  • Fund Development (for nonprofits only)

Meet Our Regional Team

James Henderson

Michigan Director
jamesh@firstchildrensfinance.org
Direct: 612-279-6523

Jessica Affholter

Business Development Manager – Michigan
jessicaa@firstchildrensfinance.org
Direct: 612-464-5090

Contact this Branch Office

Michigan Regional Office

PO Box 6782
Detroit MI 48202
Inquiries