The state’s economic recovery from the pandemic may be limited, officials say, as fewer child care options keep women out of the workforce. It’s a business issue, too, for child care providers seeking available workers.
Child care in Michigan
Stories about what happens to kids with care before kindergarten begins.
Posted inMichigan Government
Whitmer pitches big expansion of Michigan’s free preschool for 4-year-olds
A proposed $405 million infusion to the Great Start Readiness Program could come from federal COVID funds and the state’s school aid fund. It would provide free preschool to 17,000 more children from low- and moderate-income families.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan schools asked to open emergency child care centers for ‘essential workers’
In the latest sign of how bad things could get, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asks schools to set up emergency child care centers for the children of “essential workers,” from doctors to grocery stockers, needed in the pandemic fight.
Posted inChildren & Families
Child care for this baby costs more than the University of Michigan
Politicians have plenty to say about college costs. Yet child care expenses can have a bigger impact for many families and businesses. And Michigan has done little to help middle-and-low-income parents.
Posted inSpecial report
Michigan preschool funding has improved, but child care still unaffordable
As student performance in Michigan has plummeted, one strategy where many elected officials, educators, business leaders and state residents agree is bolstering future student success through early childhood programs.
Posted inBusiness Bridge
Business and Lansing need to help the other to expand childcare for working parents
Michigan employers increasingly view child care as critical to attracting and keeping quality workers
Posted inBusiness Bridge
6 ways to help working parents in Michigan afford child care
Michigan’s business leaders are discovering a strong connection between affordable child care and happy, productive workers.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Kids count, but to judge from Michigan’s well-being data, not very much
The annual Kids Count Data Book shows the state is moving in the wrong direction on too many key indicators predicting a successful future. Bright spots? Some.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Child care isn’t just a parental issue. It’s a concern for employers, too.
Children need quality care while their parents work. Michigan needs their parents working. We need to do better for both.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Getting ‘rigor’ right in preschool, or avoiding rigor mortis in 4-year-olds
With all the emphasis on “return on investment” in early childhood education, let’s not forget that play, and just play, is the real way children build a foundation for the schooling to come.