For providers, by providers—because it takes a village.
What is Village Cares
Family childcare providers play a critical role in supporting children, families, and the local workforce—but often do so while navigating complex regulations, isolation, and limited resources. Village Cares was created to change that.
Village Cares is a Family Child Care Network (FCCN) led by Vibrant Futures that connects home-based childcare providers to professional development, peer support, and shared resources. Through relationship-based guidance and coordinated support, Village Cares strengthens quality, builds community, and helps providers grow sustainable, thriving childcare businesses.
Serving home-based childcare providers in Barry, Ionia, Kent, Mecosta, and Montcalm counties.
BENEFITS
Provider Benefits for members in the Village Cares network
Membership Requirements
- Must currently operate as a licensed or license-exempt home-based childcare provider in Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Mecosta counties.
- Providers in the process of obtaining licensure may apply for provisional membership with quarterly check-ins regarding licensing status.
- Care assistants may attend the network trainings if they are working within a licensed childcare home-based business and the primary licensed provider is already in the network.
- Members should plan on attending a minimum of four (4) Village Cares meetings, workshops, or events annually (approximately 50% of scheduled gatherings).
- If unable to attend a meeting, please notify the organizer (via email, or phone) prior to the meeting.
- We encourage on-camera engagement, even if you can’t be on camera the entire time