Lansing Sun

On Aug. 16, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a $2 million investment to address the state's shortage in the early education workforce and expand access to child care for working families. The investment aims to create 1,000 new and expanded child care businesses by the end of 2024.

“Access to quality, affordable early learning opportunities sets kids up for long-term success,” said Gov. Whitmer said in an Aug. 16 press release. “Today’s investment in apprenticeships will create more paths for Michiganders to become skilled, qualified early education professionals and help us meet our statewide goal of opening or expanding 1,000 child care programs by the end of 2024. We are already well on track, with nearly 800 programs opened, and with today’s investment we will continue taking action to help aspiring education professionals and our kids ‘make it’ in Michigan.” 

According to The Mining Journal, funding for ECE Registered Apprenticeship recipients is derived from the $12.9 million allocation from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, granted by the Michigan Department of Education within the framework of the Caring for MI Future initiative. This initiative, amounting to a $100 million investment, aims to establish 1,000 new or expanded child care programs by the close of 2024.

Endorsed by notable figures including Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association, and Dawne Bell, CEO of the Early Childhood Investment Corporation, the initiative highlights the significance of skilled child care providers and the role of apprenticeships in cultivating a fresh workforce for early childhood education, according to the press release. The investment aims to confront the challenges encountered by Michigan's early childhood educators in acquiring advanced skills, which has impacted staff recruitment and retention. This issue has contributed to workforce shortages in the vital early childhood sector, a pivotal component of Michigan's economy. Through a collaboration between ECIC and MI Works!, this partnership seeks to address this concern by introducing and expanding 12 Registered ECE Apprenticeships throughout Michigan.

“We recognize the vital role that highly skilled child care providers play in supporting working families across the state,” said Ryan Hundt, Michigan Works! Association CEO, per the press release. “This dynamic partnership between the Early Childhood Investment Corporation and Michigan Works! underscores our commitment to fostering high-quality child care and driving economic growth hand-in-hand.”

Utilizing remaining funds allocated to the Department of Education from President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan Act, state authorities have announced a fresh state investment aimed at enhancing child care accessibility throughout Michigan, according to The Gander. The initiative primarily focuses on establishing additional avenues for individuals in 65 diverse counties to develop expertise and qualifications as early education professionals.