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Opinion | Michigan’s PreK for All program helps our state’s small businesses thrive
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Michigan’s PreK for All program has numerous benefits for our state: It sets children up for long-term success, improves a child’s social and intellectual skills and saves families thousands of dollars each year.
PreK for All also has a positive impact on small businesses, workers, our local economy and communities across the state.
A new study by Michigan State University and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP) shows that families living further away from licensed child care providers are significantly less likely to be part of the workforce. This is especially true for mothers and young families, which impacts our state’s small businesses by reducing the pool of potential employees at a time when workforce shortages are still a persistent challenge for small businesses.
The study makes it clear that access to high-quality, affordable child care helps drive our economy and positions young people for success.
The study also shows that for every additional mile away from a licensed child care provider, women are less likely to participate in the workforce. Every year, the inability of women to work due to child care issues costs our state and small businesses billions of dollars.
These findings show that when child care is inaccessible or unavailable, one or both parents must step back from employment and their career goals.
That’s why it’s important we raise awareness about our state’s PreK for All program: a high-quality, NO-COST option for Michigan families.
PreK for All can save families an estimated $14,000 per year on child care expenses. High-quality PreK means that families can go to work each day knowing their child is in a safe, enriching environment with caring adults. It means families have more money to support our economy and small businesses in their local community.
High-quality PreK sets children up for success with benefits that last far beyond their time in school and gives children the foundation they need for long-term success in school and beyond.
Every parent deserves the opportunity to work, every child deserves the support to learn and grow, and Michigan’s small business community depends on a strong, resilient workforce.Families can visit MiPreKforAll.org to find a program that meets their child’s needs. It’s up to us to keep Michigan’s children thriving while supporting small businesses across the state.
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