REGION- Develop Iosco’s child care initiative, the Child Care Back Office (CCBO), is proud to announce that Alcona Community Schools has been honored as a 2025 Childcare Champion by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC), in partnership with Pulse at the W.E. Upjohn Institute and MiLEAP.
Alcona was recognized at a September 17 event in East Lansing, celebrating nine statewide leaders making bold moves in child care at a pivotal time for Michigan families and workplaces.
Superintendent Dan O’Connor accepted the award, highlighting Alcona’s free before- and after-school care for staff children—a vital support helping educators stay in the workforce. Alcona is also actively involved in regional coalitions and is partnering with CCBO to pursue licensing for its care programs, aiming to boost sustainability and service quality.
O’Connor credited the Region 3 Coalition, led by NEMCOG and Develop Iosco, for the nomination, and stressed the urgent need for local child care solutions as provider numbers decline and educators travel long distances to work.
O’Connor has served as superintendent since 2017 and has been with the district since 2006.
For more on the CCBO and its child care initiatives, visit www.childcarebackoffice.org or contact Sarah Foglesong at [email protected]
