The Huron County Great Start Collaborative is offering preschool and childhood scholarships for the 2011-2012 school year.  To be eligible for the scholarship children must be 3 years of age by December 1, 2011, meet income guidelines of 200% of poverty and show the greatest need.  The purpose of this scholarship opportunity is to provide children who would otherwise not be able to attend preschool when they are 3, the option of having two years of high quality preschool and/or child care.  Research show that children who have two years of high quality preschool prior to entering kindergarten are better prepared for school. Click on the photo on the left to download the application.

If you are a childcare provider you need to apply to Great Start in order to accept scholarship money. To apply click here for the application. 

High quality child care and early education experiences are critical to every young child’s development. Research has clearly demonstrated that children’s early learning experiences determine their foundation for future learning and success. Children who have high quality child care and preschool experiences, including support for health and emotional well-being, are more successful in later school years, are less likely to repeat a grade, are more likely to graduate high school, attend college, and become productive citizens.

In Huron County we now have a lending library of supplies for childcare providers and parents to check out and use with their children. For details see flyer.

Child Care or Early Care is also referred to as day care, a baby sitter, or a nanny. Early Care is when  children ages birth to school age are cared for by someone other than a parent. This can take place in someone’s home, in the child’s own home, or in a center. There are different types of care available in Huron County.

(1) Licensed Child Care Centers - they often provide care during the day for parents who are working.  They have separate rooms, or areas, for children of the same age to play and interact with other children. These programs usually run full-day all year round    programs. These programs must be licensed by the State of Michigan.

(2) Licensed Family Homes - one person provides care for up to 6 children of varying ages in the provider’s own home. The provider sets his or her own hours, rates of pay, and is licensed by the State of Michigan. 

(3) Licensed Group Child Care Homes - similar to a family home, a group home provides care in someone’s home. However, a Group Home is able to be licensed for up to 12 children provided there are two caregivers watching the children.

(4) Relative Care - When a child is cared for by a person related to them (grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc.)

(5) Other - In Huron County we have other types of care.  Children are watched by babysitters either in the child’s home or the sitter’s home. Children can also be cared for by a nanny.