Childcare Provider Spotlight: Meet Heather Pohl
The Community Success Panel has identified three focus areas to improve life in Midland County: Housing, People Attraction & Retention, and Childcare.
In an effort to bring light to the incredible work that is already being done in Midland County, we’re highlighting some of the dedicated individuals who care for our littlest community members. Childcare providers play a vital role in the fabric of our region, offering care, stability, and a loving presence that helps children thrive and families flourish.
These stories share their perspective, their challenges, their joy, and their hopes for the future of childcare in Midland County. Today we’d like you to meet Heather Pohl of Honey-Bee’s Daycare.
Heather Pohl, In Her Own Words:
My name is Heather Pohl, and I’ve been in early childhood education for 21 years now. Two whole decades of early mornings, story times, lunchboxes, naptime routines, and muddy little boots by the door. I live and work here in Midland County at Honey-Bee’s Daycare, and I’ve built my days around taking care of little ones under four years old.
Each day is different, but the rhythm is familiar. We start with breakfast, move into story time and circle time. Then spend as much of the day outside as we possibly can; before lunch, after naps, whenever the weather allows. On an average day, I’m caring for about six kiddos. It’s a full house, but a joyful one.
My favorite part of this work? That’s easy. Making kids happy. It doesn’t take much. A silly voice during story time, a new bucket in the sandbox, or just really seeing them. Their smiles, the way their faces light up… that’s what fills me up and keeps me going. Honestly, littles are some of the best friends you could ask for. They’re curious, kind, and full of surprises. I learn from them every single day.
All that to say, it’s not always easy. The hardest part is saying goodbye! When they grow up, head to preschool or kindergarten, and move on to the next part of their journey you celebrate for them, but it leaves a space in your heart.
Finding help is also a challenge. Reliable, trustworthy assistance can be hard to come by in this line of work. If I could dream up one resource that would make a difference for providers like me, it would be a substitute line. Having someone who could come in and step up in a pinch, whether it’s a sick day or a family emergency would be so helpful.
Most of the families I serve hear about me through word of mouth. Parents talking to other parents. Every once in a while, if I have an opening, I’ll post something on social media. But mostly, it's the community that keeps the circle going.
Looking back over the years, I can tell you that COVID was hands-down the hardest chapter in my career. The uncertainty was overwhelming. The constantly changing guidelines, figuring out which kids I could take, wondering if I was making the right choices. It wasn’t just me. So many of us in this field were dealing with that same anxiety and confusion. I felt a deep responsibility to care for the kids, but also for the parents who were out there working — nurses, essential workers, people who couldn’t stay home. That time tested me in ways I never expected.
But we made it through. And we’re still here, still showing up, still doing the work that matters. Because even on the hard days, I believe in what I do.
Childcare isn’t just a job, it’s a relationship. It’s a community, a commitment, and I’m proud to be part of it.
If you’d like to connect with Heather regarding childcare please call Honey-Bee’s Daycare at 989-402-7923.
Do you have a Midland County story you would like to tell that aligns with our vision?