Northern Michigan University has worked diligently to support NMU employees and students with their childcare needs. Through our efforts, we have partnered with both Upwards and Michigan TriShare. These partnerships have enabled us to assist in expanding the care available in the community to NMU students and employees as well as financially assist those eligible through the Michigan TriShare program.
Gretchen's House - Marquette
Northern Michigan University is proud to have partnered with Gretchen's House Child Development Centers to bring quality childcare to the Marquette community!
Our partnership provides lower tuition rates and waitlist priority to NMU employees and students. Enrollment is also open to the community.
What is Gretchen's House?
Gretchen's House an accredited childcare center that has been providing child development programs for infants through school-age children since 1982. Started by Gretchen Preston, Gretchen's House has grown to provide care for more than 900 families with eight childcare centers in Ann Arbor, MI, and additional satellite centers in Ypsilaniti, Houghton, and now Marquette!
Their programs are licensed by the state of Michigan and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Gretchen’s House has a partnership with the HighScope International Research Foundation. They implement the HighScope curriculum in their infant/toddler and preschool classrooms. Their research-based curriculum is centered on the principle that children learn by doing and provides engaging, developmentally appropriate activities that encourage children to become confident, competent, life-long learners.
What do they offer?
Full-time and part-time programs for children 3 months through 5 years of age. Tuition includes meals for all ages. Their daily schedules provide a consistent framework that includes small and large group activities and opportunities for children to develop in all areas: cognitively, physically and socially. The most important aspect of their routine is the plan-do-review sequence, in which children plan their activities, carryout their intentions, and then reflect on their experiences with teachers and other children.
Gretchen's House Marquette will be a place where children are supported to grow and develop in a caring and nurturing environment.
How do I enroll?
Contact Eva Hatfield at eva-marie.hatfield@gretchenshouse.com to be added to the waitlist. The planned center opening date is July 8, 2024.
Michigan Tri-Share Child Care Program
The MI TriShare Child Care Program (TriShare) is an innovative approach to increasing access to high-quality, affordable child care for working families who meet certain household income requirements, while also helping to retain talent and removing one major barrier to employment.
Through MI Tri-Share, the cost of an employee’s child care is shared equally among the employer, the employee, and the State of Michigan — a three-way split — with coordination provided by United Way of Northwest Michigan (UWNWMI). If you are eligible, you will save 66% on your child care
Northern Michigan University is a partnering employer in the MI Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Program with services facilitated by the MARESA, the Upper Peninsula's regional Tri-Share Hub with MARESA and United Way of Northwest Michigan (UWNWMI), the TriShare administrative partner.
With MI Tri-Share you can receive these childcare benefits as a parent of a child 0-17
- 2/3 of your childcare cost covered by NMU and the Tri-Share Grant
- Your Choice of Licensed Provider
- Available for traditional part-time or full-time care, preschool, summer care, before and after-school programs, and summer programs/camps.
Visit the link below to learn more about Tri-Share and complete the Tri-Share Interest Form
Upwards Childcare Services for Employees and Students
WeeCare is now Upwards!
Northern Michigan University has partnered with Upwards(formerly WeeCare) to help support NMU employees and students with their childcare needs.
Our partnership guarantees NMU employees priority access and placement with Upwards providers. Upwards currently has childcare openings available at an in-home daycare just blocks from campus. Inquire with Upwards if you are interested in touring the site.
What is Upwards?
Upwards is the largest network of licensed childcare providers in the United States. Upwards is committed to providing families with access to quality, affordable care that encompass their values of safety, education, trust, and community. Upwards offers a range of ways to help families navigate the process, including connecting them with trusted providers thru their technology-based marketplace. Upwards has been featured in PBS NewsHour, Forbes, and Business Insider.
Who is eligible?
These services are available to all current, regular, campus-based Northern Michigan University employees including part-time staff employees and contingent faculty only.
These services are also available to all on-campus students currently enrolled in for-credit classes at Northern Michigan University.
How do I enroll?
Enroll in Upwards services by accessing the appropriate link below based on your NMU eligibility as an employee or student.