Early Education Matters

This year's stories for this important series builds on our work covering early education issues and innovation in Southeast Michigan. Focusing on what both parents and providers are experiencing, we dive into what's working (and what's not), and who is uncovering solutions. The series is made possible with funding from the Southeast Michigan Early Childhood Funders Collaborative.

How Medicaid supports early education and child development

Health care access is inseparable from academic success.

Early childhood millage dollars prepare the littlest Michiganders for school success

In Kent County, millage funding supports 30 programs delivered by 16 local organizations.

Federal SNAP changes threaten little Michiganders’ food access and future

Good nutrition lays the foundation for physical growth, brain development, and school readiness.

Los cambios federales en el SNAP amenazan el acceso a los alimentos y el futuro de los pequeños habitantes de Michigan

“Las prestaciones del SNAP no cubren todos los gastos alimentarios de las familias en ningún lugar del estado, y estos cambios están ampliando aún más esa brecha”. Julie Cassidy, MLPP.

التغييرات الفيدرالية على برنامج المساعدات الغذائية التكميلية (سناب) تهدد وصول أطفال ميشيغان الصغار إلى الغذاء ومستقبلهم

تشكل التغذية الجيدة الأساس للنمو الجسدي وتطور الدماغ والاستعداد المدرسي. وتُعد الألف يوم الأولى من حياة الطفل — من الحمل حتى عمر سنتين — مرحلة حاسمة.

Innovation and advocacy: Building the early childhood workforce

If implemented, the many innovative solutions for building the early childhood workforce could have phenomenal results.

Pulse collaboration with MiLeap seeks to transform child care access in Michigan

The Pulse initiative is transforming early childhood in Michigan by bridging the gap between research and practice.

Detroit vs. outstate: Do child care challenges differ for urban and rural families?

While geography shapes experience, families face similar struggles finding child care.

Early identification of disabilities critical for Michigan’s littles

Consistent access to early intervention for Michigan kids with learning disabilities and developmental differences is vital, yet often out of reach.

Matthew Verley drops off his son Lil' Matt at child care.
Access to affordable, reliable child care as vital for dads as moms

People often think of child care as a women's or a mother's issue. However, access to affordable, reliable, high quality child care equally benefits fathers. 

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