Child Care Resources (CCR) was established in 1973 to provider support and educations to child care providers, help parents find quality childcare sources, and provider support for organizations’ employees’ childcare needs. A formal state-wide system, Michigan 4 C’s, was established in 1980 to coordinate and support local Child Care Resource organizations. In 2010, Michigan 4 C’s organization was disbanded and the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC) has become the oversight and principal funding organization for local entities.         

          In October, 2009 Child Care Resources (CCR) expanded to include the designation of a Great Start Regional Resource Center for the Southwest Region of Michigan serving 9 counties. Funded, primarily, through a contract with ECIC, Child Care Resources (CCR) serves the counties of Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren to provide training and technical assistance to child care providers across all settings: childcare centers, home care providers, aides, and relatives. Child Care Resources (CCR) continues to provide referral assistance to parents seeking child care options using referral lists generated through the Great Start Connects database which is a state-wide child care information system.

          Today, Child Care Resources (CCR) is the primary source of required, basic and advanced training for child care providers. CCR also coordinates Child Care Connections (CCC), a peer learning group for home based child care programs and Director Meetings for child care center directors to integrate learning, advance knowledge and create a supportive professional system for child care workers. To further elevate the quality of regional child care in Southwest Michigan, CCR provides training specifically for quality and safety and is engaged in a Quality Rating and Improvement System pilot program in Kalamazoo County.  In addition, Child Care Resources is a coordinator of services. The majority of CCR staff is contracted specialist, outside training vendors, and community partners. CCR is the hub for information, resources, and strategies to create quality and affordable childcare options for families in all serviced counties.