Childcare Providers

Great Start to Quality

Great Start to Quality (GSQ) helps strengthen high quality early learning experiences for Michigan children by supporting early care and education providers and helping families connect with the best options for their children.

To do this, GSQ, along with providers and partners, have developed a continuous quality improvement process with Quality Levels. Every GSQ provider is licensed through the State of Michigan and is required to maintain a healthy and safe learning environment.

How GSQ Helps Michigan Families

GSQ recognizes the quality of licensed programs for children ages 0-12 to help families find the best early care and learning options for their children. Families can use GSQ as a tool to search for and compare early childhood programs near them and find the right childcare options for their children.

  • Giving families information and resources to determine the best type of care for their children.

  • Assisting families in their search for quality licensed programs.

  • Providing information about financial assistance.

  • Offering lending libraries of learning materials to use with their children.

How GSQ Helps Child Care Providers

GSQ supports early care and education providers as they grow their programs and offer the highest-quality care for all Michigan children by:

  • Helping providers get the tools and resources they need to make continuous improvements.

  • Helping them create safe and healthy environments.

  • Offering coaching and mentoring.

  • Establishing a cycle of continuous quality improvement and recognition.

  • Providing material resources.

  • Providing information about subsidies and education opportunities.

  • Supporting curriculum development.