Childcare Provider Spotlight: Megan Belanger
The Community Success Panel has identified three focus areas to improve life in Midland County: Housing, People Attraction & Retention, and Childcare.
To shine a spotlight on the progress already happening in Midland County, we’re sharing stories of the compassionate professionals who nurture our youngest learners every day. Childcare providers are the heartbeat of our community. They create safe, caring environments that help children grow, give parents peace of mind, and strengthen families across our region.
Today, we’re excited to spotlight Megan Belanger, a Midland County childcare provider with 10 years of experience and a heart for nurturing young children. Through Megan’s Daycare, she creates a warm, play-based environment where routines bring comfort, learning happens naturally, and kindness is at the center of every day.
Megan Belanger, In Her Own Words:
My name is Megan Belanger, and I’ve been a licensed childcare provider for 10 years here in Midland County. Before opening Megan’s Daycare in 2016, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and spent time in a variety of early childhood classrooms. I even taught preschool for a short time before realizing that opening my own daycare was where my heart truly belonged.
Our days have a rhythm that’s both structured and flexible. Meal times and naps stay consistent so the children can learn what to expect and feel secure in their routine. The rest of our day is led by play. One day might be filled with building towers and train tracks, and the next might turn into a full-blown hair salon, complete with imaginary tools and lots of laughter.
We love to sing, dance, and use our parachute when the weather keeps us indoors. And when the weather is nice, we’re outside as much as possible. On especially hot days, we pull out the splash pad and sprinkler for a special treat. Our group is very young. Most of the children are two and under, and our oldest just three, so we don’t do formal sit-down learning. Instead, we focus on learning through play. Colors, shapes, and letters are woven naturally into books, blocks, Magnatiles, and everyday interactions.
One of the most important lessons we focus on is kindness. Learning to listen to our friends, respect their wishes, and care for one another lays the foundation for everything that comes next.
My favorite part of this work is simple: I get to spend my days snuggling babies and playing with toddlers. No two days are ever the same, and each day brings silly moments and stories that turn into memories I’ll always carry with me. I feel incredibly lucky to partner with families as a team; helping their little ones grow into independent, confident children as they prepare for school.
Many of the children who come into my care as infants stay with me until they’re four years old, when they head off to preschool. We build strong bonds over those years, and while I’m always excited to see them move on to their next “big kid” chapter, it’s also bittersweet. Thinking back on their very first days and seeing how quickly the time has passed can be emotional.
I’m proud of the business I’ve built. It is a safe, loving place where countless children have grown up. I never expected this to be my career path, but I’m deeply grateful for it. This work has also allowed me to spend more time with my own four daughters as they grow up, which means everything to me.
One of the biggest challenges of being a childcare provider is learning every detail about every child, especially in the beginning. Feeding and nap schedules, allergies, medical needs, and the unique ways each baby is comforted all live in my head at once. With 14 children currently in my care, my mind is always swirling. Over time, though, it becomes second nature, and once everyone settles into the routine, our days begin to flow more smoothly.
Alongside caring for children, I also manage staffing and every operational detail of the daycare. Staying organized and detail-oriented is essential, not just for my business, but for life in general.
If there’s one resource I wish were more readily available, it would be stronger support for people working to become licensed providers. The process can feel overwhelming at first, and having a mentor makes a huge difference. A friend of mine, Heather, has recently helped create a local childcare hub where providers can come together to share struggles, celebrate successes, and support one another. This group is beginning to fill an important gap, offering guidance not just to new providers, but to those of us in every phase of running a childcare business.
Most families find Megan’s Daycare through word of mouth, which I’m incredibly thankful for. When I have openings, I’ll share them on my business Facebook page and update my Great Start profile so families searching for licensed care can find me. Referrals from past families have been the biggest reason I’ve been able to grow and sustain my daycare.
One of my ongoing struggles has been finding quality, reliable staff. Childcare isn’t a field for everyone. It requires patience, flexibility, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. I’m very grateful to have built a strong team of women who support one another, step up when needed, and share plenty of laughs along the way. Their support means more than I can put into words.
At the end of the day, childcare is about trust, connection, and care. It’s about helping children feel safe, valued, and ready for what comes next, and I’m honored to play a role in those early years.
Do you have a Midland County story you would like to tell that aligns with our vision?