Imperative 6
Investments in the Child Care System is Critical
We’re doing the work to understand the full cost of a high-functioning early childhood system.
We are improving or renovating 16,000 seats in existing programs and working to lift the heavy cost burden affecting providers & families.
36.2% of families are currently living above the ALICE threshold.
67% of early childhood professionals cite low wages as their biggest staffing issue.
Funding for early childcare and education is essential for children and families and for local and state economies to thrive. Well-funded systems support child development, learning and support to working families with high-quality childcare. This provides employers access to a labor force that is otherwise unavailable.
We’re addressing affordability issues by creating a solid foundation with public and private funding to meet the needs of families and childcare providers who and are not served well by the current cost of care.
With our focus on affordable childcare programs with well-paid and well-prepared staff and teachers, we’re working to increase funding and create a sustainable financial plan to take us into the future.
Addressing issues of affordability, and a strong foundation of public and private funding is vital in meeting the needs of families and those childcare providers who cannot lower the price of care on their own. We are focused on affordable childcare programs with well-paid and well-prepared staff and teachers.
Why
Now?
The wages paid for most early childhood educators are less than those working at retail stores and similar places. We lost a lot of talent during the return to work from COVID. This needs to change.
It’s more critical than ever to advocate and vote for legislators who understand the importance of holistic funding at the state and local levels. Once elected, we must hold those elected officials who campaigned on early childhood education funding accountable for their actions.
The Latest
We’ve joined forces with Issue Media Group to spotlight the importance of funding the early childcare system. The upcoming series of articles highlights what parents and providers are experiencing, what’s working, and what’s not in early education and innovation in Southeast Michigan.