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Traverse City Summer Camp Woes Highlight Lack of Childcare in Michigan

Feb 26, 2025 | 1:20 PM

Photo: Dan Powers ~ USA TODAY NETWORK

MICHIGAN, Feb. 26, 2025 ~ A mad scramble for Traverse City summer camp slots highlights a dire shortage of childcare services in Michigan.

According to a report from Bridge Michigan, some summer camp programs in the area see their slots fill up in minutes, with working parents quick to nab slots for their young children. A study cited in the article found that two-thirds of Michigan contains “child-care deserts,” where the number of children outnumbers the spots of available childcare.

PODCAST:

Feb. 26, 2025 ~ Michigan is grappling with a significant childcare shortage, exemplified by the rapid filling of summer camp spots in Traverse City. Bridge Michigan reporter Ron French talks with Guy Gordon and Lloyd Jackson about the two-thirds of Michigan that are designated as childcare deserts and the critical gap in care for the youngest children.

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