Paying for Children, Now or Later

21,000 more four-year-olds are benefitting from free, high-quality preschool in in just two years thanks to extra state funding

Tripling preschool slots, and still a waiting list in Vicksburg

In a year when state legislators are disinclined to spend, a stunning report shows that Michigan can invest now in proven early childhood programs, or spend a great deal more later.

A consensus of research shows home-visitation programs for families with young children improve child development, while saving taxpayers money that would otherwise go to remedial education, incarceration and other costs.

Michigan has reduced funding for low-income child care by 67 percent since 2007. Research shows that high-quality centers can boost educational performance.

More than 80,000 low-income infants and young children in Michigan don’t have access to a primary care doctor to nurture their development.

Adding a second year of preschool nets long-term gains for children in poverty, and for state, studies show.