After its federal funding ran dry, a free preschool program for low-income kids in the Upper Peninsula has closed. Advocates say others are at risk.
Child care in Michigan
Stories about what happens to kids with care before kindergarten begins.
Posted inTalent & Education
Many Michigan families can’t find child care. Could new business model help?
Nearly 9 in 10 Michigan families live in child care deserts. A state grant aims to help in two Up North counties.
Posted inMichigan Government
Federal shutdown hits Michigan telehealth, Head Start, environment, more
One researcher called the shutdown “a crisis in slow motion” and multiple officials said cuts will worsen if the shutdown drags on.
Posted inMichigan Government, Talent & Education
Michigan schools face tough calls as government shutdown looms
Michigan schools are taking out loans, limiting free meals and warning of preschool closures if the state government shuts down Oct. 1. A prolonged shutdown could cost them even more.
Posted inMichigan Government
As Michigan lawmakers fight, bipartisan transparency and public safety bills flounder
It’s not just the budget: Hundreds of policy proposals are stalled in the Michigan Legislature, including broadly bipartisan bills to improve government transparency, public safety and limit cellphone use in schools.
Posted inMichigan Health Watch
Michigan Head Start, health programs scramble amid immigration crackdown
Some immigrants are barred from using federally backed social programs like health centers and Head Start following the Trump administration’s reinterpretation of a decades-old rule.
Posted inTalent & Education
Studies raise warnings about Michigan child care access, cost
Families can’t afford to pay and workers can’t afford to stay. Michigan’s child care crisis is crimping family budgets and hobbling Michigan businesses.
Posted inTalent & Education
A stampede for child care in Traverse City reveals ‘heartbreaking’ crisis
This month in Traverse City, 240 child care slots were snapped up in 2 minutes, the latest sign of a statewide crisis that costs Michigan some $3 billion annually and creates countless headaches.
Posted inMichigan Government
Report card: Gretchen Whitmer’s 48 promises during State of State speeches
Bridge Michigan’s analysis of six speeches shows the Democratic governor has had her most success implementing gun reforms and social policy, but struggled with infrastructure. The verdict is out on education.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan 'lifelong education' department turns 1, touting growth in free pre-K, college
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has pushed for expanded pre-K access and more adults with college degrees. Her new department sees signs of success.
