When the Ribbon Falls, Opportunities Rise

Mapleton, Minnesota: Grand Opening Event for Child Care House

The first Child Care House in Minnesota officially opened in Mapleton, marking an important milestone for families, providers, and the community. The ribbon cutting brought partners and local leaders together to celebrate a new, practical path for expanding child care access in rural communities.

The Child Care House is more than a building. It represents a streamlined, affordable solution that helps providers open a licensed space without the overwhelming cost of starting from scratch. It offers communities a replicable model that can grow with them.

We thank everyone who joined us that day, and especially the partners, funders, and local leaders whose support made this dream a reality. The ribbon may have been cut. but the connections it represents are just beginning to grow across Mapleton.

Pictured from left to right: Sarah Moore City Clerk of the City of Mapleton, Marvin Kimm from Pioneer Bank, Jeff Andrews with Business of Child Care, Mayor Jeff Annis of Mapleton, Brooke Garvey the Child Care House Provider, Carla Vita from Minnesota DEED, Jack Wheeler with CEDA

Child Care House in the News

As shared by Brooke Garvey, the new operator of the Mapleton Child Care House: “I always wanted to open my own in-home business, but my farmhouse would cost more to renovate and get it up to code. That wasn’t an option. But now I’m able to because of the Child Care House model.” Through this project, what once felt out of reach is now possible for her, for other providers, and for families in Mapleton seeking reliable child care.

Read More: MPR Article on Child Care House

Is Child Care House Right for Your Community?

Communities that are prepared to move forward with a Child Care House should begin the process now in order to take advantage of the 2026 build season. Planning early ensures access to construction timelines, provider onboarding, and community engagement support for a smooth launch.

If your community is ready to take the next step, download our Community Briefing for Child Care House. Learn More

Beyond Care Taking:

Business of Child Care in Langlade County, WI

Programs in Langlade County recently partnered with Business of Child Care to strengthen their operational stability. Their insights highlight how thoughtful planning and business strategy can improve outcomes for child care programs of all sizes.

What they show is this: you don’t need to operate dozens of centers to make a difference. Focusing on long-term sustainability, efficient operations, clarity of resources, and proactive planning builds a strong foundation for growth. One center, running well, can serve families today and set the stage for expanded capacity tomorrow.

At Business of Child Care, we believe in supporting providers wherever they are on their journey. from stand-alone centers to multi-site networks. When we stabilize what already exists, we create a dependable infrastructure that supports families, boosts workforce participation, and strengthens communities.

Read the Article: Business of Child Care in Langlade County, WI

Learn more about Langlade County Economic Development Corporation: Learn More

Testimonials from the Providers

Peace Lutheran Ministries Child Care

"This was an eye-opening experience. The insights gained will help us strengthen our long-term health and stability as a program, allowing us to keep making changes that ensure continued service for our community.”

— Jenny, Director of Peace Lutheran Ministries Child Care

Learn more about Peace Lutheran Ministries Child Care

Antigo Child Care Center

“It’s tough navigating business ownership solo, so having a collaborative partner to guide the direction of our center was invaluable. The review helped us break down our operations to see the potential of where we could be, giving us stronger clarity on how to optimize our resources.”

— Abby, Owner of Antigo Child Care Center

Learn more about Antigo Child Care Center

LeRoyer Childcare Center

“We were able to take a deep dive which gave me key insights to present to the board, strengthening my argument for essential changes customized to our center. It helps us see what’s working, what’s not, and how we can make things better.”

— Sam, Supervisor of LeRoyer Childcare Center

Learn more LeRoyer Childcare Center

Is a child care center in your community at risk?

Our free guide helps civic and community leaders identify early signs of distress, engage providers respectfully, and mobilize local support to prevent permanent loss of care.

To request a copy or learn more about how Business of Child Care can support your community's child care centers, email info@businessofchildcare.com

Learn more about our services for child care businesses and the communities they serve:

Our Services

A New Opportunity for Communities and Employers: Understanding the Enhanced 45F Credit

Business of Child Care and TOOTRiS recently hosted a detailed session on the expanded federal 45F employer tax credit. This credit has new relevance for rural communities, working families, providers, and local employers seeking sustainable child care solutions.

The updated credit expands eligibility, increases benefit levels, and encourages employer participation in solutions that support child care capacity.

Key insights included:

• Expanded eligibility and higher credit values

• Reduced family child care costs

• Improved workforce retention

• Strategies for employer supported models

• Local economic benefits

Watch the full session to explore the full scope of the opportunity:

Enhanced 45F Tax Credits: A New Path for Employer-Supported Child Care

Child Care Conversations:

Bringing Strategic Insight to Your Community

www.businessofchildcare.com | info@businessofchildcare.com | 844-444-5602