Join Us in Expanding Awareness of Prenatal to 3 Policy Priorities in Michigan’s Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Communities. For the first time in our nation’s history, the majority… Read More

Read Post

       On Feb. 15, 2024, the Detroit City Planning Commission will consider a proposed zoning amendment to reform existing regulations for licensed child care facilities in Detroit. Currently, child care facilities in… Read More

Read Post

       Hope Starts Here celebrates progress for young children; Kellogg and Kresge recommit their support By: Wendy Lewis Jackson, managing director, Detroit Program, Kresge Foundation and Faye Alexander Nelson, Michigan director, W.K.… Read More

Read Post

       Michigan’s Children Recognizes Funding Increases for Early Intervention and Home Visiting The Michigan Legislature and Governor Gretchen Whitmer have reached a deal for the state budget for the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year… Read More

Read Post

       Equitable Access to Child Care Takes Back Seat in FY24 Budget Plan The Michigan Legislature and Governor Gretchen Whitmer have reached a deal for the state budget for the 2023-2024 Fiscal… Read More

Read Post

       Do Your Homework Anyone attending the conference for the first time would benefit from sharpening their foundational understanding of the legislation, policies, and budgetary targets that help champion their work. Having… Read More

Read Post

       Nearly 1.7 million Michigan households are eligible to get a discount on their monthly internet service through the federal Affordable Connectivity Program.  The Michigan Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ACT Now initiative… Read More

Read Post

       Michigan’s income guidelines for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) have increased and now more families may qualify for the program. Under the updated guidelines, a… Read More

Read Post

       With so many of you working on or starting applications, we wanted to bring you technical assistance sessions geared toward facilities projects, making child care spaces even better, and how to… Read More

Read Post

       Many professions have different skill requirements, certification programs, and degree levels to excel in that chosen profession. Take, for example, the nursing field, where there are several different designations: Certified nursing… Read More

Read Post

       $50M effort for high-quality early childhood facilities is a model for the equitable implementation of federal funds for children and families. The rooms are airy and bright. Multicolored carpeted areas are… Read More

Read Post

       Before you even meet a student at Detroit’s LACC Childcare Academy, you are greeted with smiles. Some of the students’ smiling faces are printed on bright green rugs that line the hallways… Read More

Read Post

       The process of applying for Caring for MI Future: Facilities Improvement Fund can be a little daunting. Wherever you are in your grant journey we appreciate all you’ve done, and we… Read More

Read Post

       As part of the Caring for MI Future initiative, First Children’s Finance provides FREE comprehensive business support services for emerging and existing ECE business owners and leaders. The services offered include monthly trainings… Read More

Read Post

       In the State of the State address, Governor Whitmer made a big move for little children, proposing universal prekindergarten for all the State’s four-year-olds at no cost to families. Hope Starts… Read More

Read Post

       A new year always brings hope, optimism, and new opportunities. As such we are collaborating with partners and across multiple imperatives to support the launch of one of two SE Michigan… Read More

Read Post

       It’s hard to believe another year is coming to a close, and least I say what a year it’s been with all the highs and lows. It appears that we’re finally… Read More

Read Post

       Our Strong Start program will make it easier for entrepreneurs to open new childcare programs, get licensed faster, and expand access to high-quality, affordable childcare for working families. This is the… Read More

Read Post

       The end of summer signals the start of a fresh new school year. And this year, kids of all ages are back to in-person learning at schools and childcare centers around… Read More

Read Post

       It’s been slow and steady, but we are making headway in our efforts to improve Michigan’s childcare system and invest in our children’s care and education. Last month the Michigan Legislature… Read More

Read Post

       Apply before September 9 to obtain funding to help your child care facility. If you missed the opportunity to apply for the Spring Stabilization Grants, all is not lost. The Michigan… Read More

Read Post

       Mandatory Provider Spending Reports Due by March 1, 2023 If you received a Spring Child Care Stabilization Grant, the time has come to begin putting together your spending report. Because this… Read More

Read Post

       Whether you’re an owner of a small to medium sized business or the CEO of a large multi-national company, we all play a role in addressing the childcare crisis. Today’s youngest… Read More

Read Post

       Would you like to see a better future for your children? As parents, caregivers, and educators, we need to speak up and let our voices be heard in Lansing. We all… Read More

Read Post

       To better understand the cost of early childhood care and education services and identify funding gaps in Detroit, Hope Starts Here is undertaking a financial analysis project, and we need your… Read More

Read Post

       It’s been reported that nearly 40 percent of popular baby formula brands are sold out at retailers across the country. As parents scramble to find baby formula, The White House and… Read More

Read Post

       Detroiters are actively engaged in conversations ensuring families are economically healthy and viable. The Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) recently released its finding on how the American Rescue… Read More

Read Post