North Central Michigan College Foundation
Final Grant Report for
Fiscal agent if applicant is not tax exempt:
Tax ID Number:
38-1586760
Contact First Name:
Contact Last Name:
Miranda
Fisher
1515 Howard Street Petoskey, MI 49770
Address:
Email:
231.420.1178
Phone Number:
Project Name:
NCMC Child Care Initiative
Project start and end dates:
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Amount Granted From Hestia:
$
2000
Project results and Impact
How many girls/women have been served by the project during this project year?
Four new employees directly. The project is aimed at systems-level change, but we will be providing direct services to girls/women in the general public when the Early Learning Center opens this spring.
Registration Link is now open for new students to attend our new center. Click this link for more info: https://www.ncmich.edu/community-events/early-learning-center/enrollment-elc.html
Goal of the Project
Did you meet your program goals for the grant period?
If yes, how do you know? Please describe any program evaluation you use:
If no, please describe current barriers and how you are working to overcome them:
The NCMC Early Learning Center (ELC) is a cornerstone of the Child Care Initiative (CCI) Phase II, representing an innovative step toward creating a sustainable and community-centered child care system in Emmet County, Michigan. This center operates under a true cost business model, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care while maintaining a living wage scale and benefits for its dedicated staff.
As part of CCI Phase 2, the Early Learning Center is a research hub exploring effective practices and strategies for building a viable local child care system. By focusing on community needs and sustainability, the CCI team is leading efforts to develop a model that supports families and strengthens the local economy.
Since applying for the support of Hestia we have honed our mission statement: To partner with children, families, and the community in providing a Reggio Emilia-inspired early education experience that nurtures curiosity, independence, and holistic development. We prioritize every child's intellectual, social, emotional, and physical well-being in a secure and inclusive setting.
Do you have a story of how your program positively changed participant's situation, behavior, or knowledge?
If so, please share it:
Yes. Our program has already made a tangible impact by implementing a Living Wage Salary Scale in the new Early Learning Center (ELC). We have hired four staff members through grant funding, ensuring competitive wages and benefits as we work toward full operational capacity. For three of these employees, this is their first job that provides a living wage and access to essential benefits. This opportunity improves their financial stability and enhances their overall well-being and professional growth. By prioritizing fair compensation, we are fostering a more sustainable early childhood workforce while setting a new standard for quality employment in the field
Sustainability
Will this project continue?
If so, how will it be funded?
If not, why not?
This project is very important to NCMC and our whole community. Child care continues to be one of the largest issues in our community. The institution is committed to helping women and girls find success in this career opportunity and find support for their families so they can be a major part of the workforce.
Public Relations
How did you publicize this grant?
Please list any examples.
We promoted the funding throughout NCMC. We also included the logo on our website and in our Summer Camp and Care Guide: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/51f9dc2c3c.html. We have had 149 unique viewers of the guide.
Summary Comments
Child Care Initiative Brief Summary
March 2025
Overview
The North Central Michigan College (NCMC) Child Care Initiative (CCI) remains dedicated to strengthening the region's early care and education landscape through strategic partnerships, research, and program development. Our focus continues to be on increasing access to high-quality child care, supporting working families, and assisting employers in providing family-friendly workplace solutions.
Recent Developments
Employer Engagement & Child Care Landscape Assessments
CCI has partnered with local employers to conduct Child Care Landscape Assessments, which help identify workforce needs and develop tailored child care solutions. Recent assessments include a partnership with the Irish Boat Shop and an ongoing analysis with the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. These assessments provide critical insights that inform employer strategies for child care support.
NCMC Early Learning Center
The NCMC Early Learning Center is progressing toward opening. A natural playground has been completed, and an official bid for interior renovations has been secured. This true-cost business model program will serve 12 children (in
Grant Final Budget Form
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