FRANKFORT — In Michigan, more than 44% of residents live in a child care desert-areas where there aren’t enough licensed providers to meet demand.

According to the Michigan League For Public Policy, the state lost nearly 30% of its child care providers between 2015 and 2021. And for parents of infants and toddlers, the waitlists can be months-or even years-long in 2025.

One day care we spoke to said there waitlist topped 200 people before they stopped taking names.

Leelanau County Early Childhood Commission consultant Maryanne Bain said the lack of care is straining families.

“The lack of childcare affects the entire area, it affects business, it affects job performance, and it affects attracting young professionals to the community,” said Bain.

To help address the crisis the Infant a

See Full Page