Community Early Childhood Resources

Certified Car Seat Technicians check car seat installation, educate families on safe car seat use, and support qualifying families in getting appropriate car seats. This directory connects parents and caregivers to local certified technicians. 

Alger County Directory of Technicians 

Marquette County Directory of Technicians 

Child Care Licensing Division

The Child Care Licensing Bureau performs state licensing regulatory duties as required by state laws and federal requirements. www.michigan.gov/mileap/early-childhood-education/cclb

Community Action Alger Marquette (CAAM)- Head Start

Head Start is high-quality, no-cost preschool for 3 and 4 year old children. Enrollment in Head Start is done year-round, based on available openings. www.communityactionam.org/head-start

Great Start to Quality

Great Start to Quality is Michigan's system, which sets the quality standards and evaluates the quality of early care and education programs. GSQ also shares information about programs with families and helps families select the right program for their needs. www.greatstarttoquality.org/

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

If you cannot afford child care, payment assistance is available through Child Care Subsidy. Use MI Bridges to apply for assistance, check your eligibility status, and manage your account. Visit www.michigan.gov/mdhhs  to learn more.

Women, Infant, and Children

The program is designed to help correct or prevent malnutrition in low-income pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who recently had a baby, infants, and children up to 5 years old who are at health risk due to inadequate nutrition. Local agencies, such as health departments and non-profit organizations, deliver WIC benefits to participants.

Family Support Services

The Marquette County Health Department provides support to families through programs such as Children's Special Health Care, Maternal Infant Health Programs, the Pregnant and Parenting Teen Project, and Healthy Families-Upper Peninsula. WEBSITE

Alger County

Superior Playland
 413 Maple Street #1, Munising, MI 49862
 906-387-5636
 www.algerparksrecdept.com/facilities/superior-playland-indoor-playground/
The one and only indoor playground in Alger County! Kids enjoy Alger County Parks and Rec Department's Superior Playland all year round!

Marquette County

U.P. Children's Museum
 123 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855
 906-226-3911
www.upchildrensmuseum.org/
The Upper Peninsula Children's Museum was designed to address the developmental stages of youth between the ages of 1 and 13, yet it still delights visitors of all ages. Through creative youth empowerment, the museum is able to offer cultural and educational exhibits that reflect the diverse interests, history, culture and heritage of the area. It is also frequently the site of special performances and programs.

U.P. Fun with Friends
 400 US 41 East Suite 106, Neguanee, MI 49866
 906-401-0104
www.upfunwithfriends.com/
An indoor play space with a bounce house, gymnastics mats, rock climbing area, and more. Providing a safe and fun place for families and friends to connect, play, and build healthy strong relationships.

Forsyth Township Public Library

180 W. Flint Street, Gwinn, MI 49841
906-346-3433
ForTwpPL
www.forsythtwplibrary.org

Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library

317 N. Main Street, Ishpeming, MI 49849
 906-486-4381
 ICPL
www.ishpeminglibrary.info

Munising School Public Library

810 State Highway M-28 W, Suite A, Munising, MI 49862
 906-387-2125
MSPL
www.msplonline.org

Negaunee Public Library

319 W. Case Street, Negaunee, MI 49866
 906-475-7700 Ext. 18
 Negaunee Public Library
www.cityofnegaunee.com/negaunee-public-library

Peter White Public Library

217 N. Front Street, Marquette, MI 49855
906-228-9510
 PWPL Youth Services
www.pwpl.info

Richmond Township Library

304 Snyder Street, Palmer, MI 49871
906-475-5241
Richmond Township Library
www.richmond.ploud.net

UPCAP's seeks to promote the "development of the human, social, and community resources of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. 

906-786-4701

www.upcap.org

Services Provided:

• 2-1-1 Call Center

• Child Care Assistance

• Food Security

• Low Income/ Subsidized Private Rental Housing

• Wellness and Caregiver Programs

• Long Term Care Programs

• Michigan Medicare/ Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP)

• U.P. Area Agency on Aging

• Upper Peninsula Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

• U.P. Diabetes Outreach Network (UPDON)

• Mediation/ Resolution Services

MI Parenting Resource- MSU Extension

MiParenting Resource offers a collection of videos introducing research-supported strategies for common caregiving concerns, such as how to increase child cooperation, teach children new behaviors, and identify and manage emotions. The videos feature real caregivers who explain and demonstrate the skills with their children.

MSU Extension Resource- Website 

MI Kids Matter

Mi Kids Matter is your place to find what you need to give your child their best chance at health, happiness and success later in life. Throughout this site, we have provided information, resources and programs to take you from pregnancy through age 5 and beyond.

www.michigan.gov/mikidsmatter 

Michigan Alliance for Families

Michigan Alliance for Families provides information, support, and education for families who have children and young adults (birth to 26 years of age) who receive (or may be eligible to receive) special education services. This website can help you with finding information on special education issues as well as disability specific information.

www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org 

U.P. Reads

Supporting communities across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with early literacy resources. Ensuring all children are ready to learn, read, and succeed!

www.great-start.org/up-reads