Causes: Child Day Care, Children & Youth, Education, Human Services, Preschools

Mission: CHILDREN MATTER. Nurturing and empowering young children and families since 1976.

Results: In the first five years of life the brain develops the architecture upon which all later development and learning is founded. Young children offer a once in a lifetime opportunity to change the brain and make a difference for a lifetime. Since our founding in 1976, the Leelanau Children's Center, with the generosity of our donor community, has helped to make that difference for thousands of children.

Direct beneficiaries per year: 113 children and 80 families with the support of 20 staff, 12 board members, and dozens of volunteers and community partners!

Geographic areas served: Serving Northwest Michigan and Leelanau County with Centers in Leland.

Programs: Young children and families from all backgrounds and needs flourish at the Leelanau Children's Center, in an environment that nurtures relationships and developmentally appropriate, play-based learning for preschoolers and toddlers. Our goal is not to teach children facts and figures, but to capitalize on their innate curiosity and zest for life. Only in early childhood do we have the opportunity to develop the thinking skills and social/emotional readiness that set the stage for a fulfilling and productive life. The Leelanau Children's Center is a leader in high-quality early childhood education and family support programming, and is one of less than 3% of preschool programs to be given a five-star rating by the Michigan Department of Education.