Infant/toddler childcare provides warm, nurturing care for young children at safe, licensed centers around the area.

• June Forest Center in Baraga provides care for infants and toddlers
• Lapsi Talo (meaning "Children’s House" in Finnish) provides care for infants in Hancock.
• The Ryan School in Hancock offers childcare for toddlers.
• The Portage Family Place Parent Resource Center in Houghton, Little Gippers Child Development Center in Calumet and the L’Anse Child Development Center provide care for both infants and toddlers.

Infants and toddlers in childcare benefit from warm, consistent caregivers; low child-to-staff ratios; and safe areas for play, sleep, meals and socialization. Rates are low, and financial assistance may be available.

Home-visiting services are offered to families caring for children birth to 3. These services provide families with child-development activities, support and links to other services in the community. Families receive regular home visits by their child's teacher/home visitor who, along with parents or non-parental caregivers, plan age-appropriate educational activities.

A universal home-visiting program provides regular visits from a caring staff member, allowing parents and children the comfort of staying at home. Parents and children take part in fun, educational activities and learn about nutrition and health. Families are encouraged to take part in group activities with other parents such as play groups at Toy Libraries, where parents also can learn about computers, job skills and more.

Caregiver Club
The Caregiver Club provides non-parental caregivers of children birth to 5 with education and support to foster healthy growth and development in children. Services include up to two 60-minute educational home visits per month, socialization opportunities through playgroups and a Grandparents Support Group, training opportunities such as baby-sitting classes, and loaner child development resources such as toys, books, videos and music. To learn more, call Caroline Penny at 482-3663 or 800-236-5657.

Families at risk of having their infant or toddler removed by the courts may be eligible for the New Start program which is designed to help families stay intact. Entire families will move into a three-month live-in program with help from a mentor couple experienced in child development and family life. After successful completion of the live-in portion, families will receive regular home visits that focus on child development, parenting and other issues.

Health and Developmental Screenings 
for infants and toddlers give parents an assessment of their child's general health. Screenings include a health history review, physical exam, vision and hearing assessment, immunizations and laboratory testing, as age appropriate. Each child's cognitive, motor and language skills also are assessed by teachers and early childhood specialists.

Pregnant mothers and their partners 
may take part in the Pregnancy Education and Support (PEAS) program, which provides an informative home visit; fun, educational group meetings; and a safe, gentle exercise program. The PEAS program is a great way to meet others who are expecting a child or adjusting to being new parents.

Family wellness services 
provide fitness activities, support services and information for families with infants and toddlers. Fitness areas with cardiovascular, strength-training equipment and multi-purpose areas allow children and parents to work out together or separately! Family-empowering wellness classes take place periodically with topics ranging from stress reduction and nutritious cooking on a budget to money management and more!

Many extra resources and activities are available for parents with young children. To learn more, click here.

To register or learn more, call us today.