PreK for All: Other states and cities share models for Michigan’s universal preschool program
A wealth of knowledge is available from other states and cities in building a universal preschool program for Michigan.
Early Education Matters
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.
Northwest Michigan ISD welcomes pre-K expansion
Tracy Spincich, North Ed, talked with Early Education Matters about how free pre-K for 4-year-olds will benefit this region.
Pre-K for All will improve long-term health, education, and social outcomes for children
Pre-K for All is really about ensuring that all Michigan children enjoy academic success.
Deambulando por el desierto de cuidado infantil de Detroit como estudiante de inglés
La nueva Michigander Carolina Cruz dice que la parte más difícil de su transición desde Colombia ha sido tratar de conocer gente en la ciudad cuando su familia está relativamente aislada. Encontrar cuidado infantil significa independencia y socialización tanto para Cruz como para su hija de dos años, pero las listas de espera de Detroit son largas.
Wandering Detroit’s child care desert as an English language learner: A parent’s story
New Michigander Carolina Cruz says the hardest part of her transition from Colombia has been trying to get to know people in the city when her family is relatively isolated. Finding child care means independence and socialization for both Cruz and her two-year-old daughter, but Detroit's waiting lists are long.
PEDALS program helps teachers bring social and emotional learning to life in the classroom
"These are the skills that will carry them through life," says Jaletha Smith, a social-emotional coach at PEDALS. "They'll know how to handle and deal with certain challenges and traumas they might face. And if they have that social-emotional piece, the cognitive— that'll be easy for them to pick up. But you first have to have those skills to be able to sit down, listen, and follow directions to get to that."
Child care workers experiencing relief from COVID-19 funds are worried about Michigan’s fiscal cliff
"It's a true gap," says "Mama" Zina Davis, who runs a Detroit child care center and knows first-hand what providers and teachers are facing, not just in terms of pay, but in respect for their roles. "We shouldn't be competing with McDonald's."
PHOTOS: The “magic” of Marygrove’s Early Ed Center
In its second school year, the Marygrove Early Education Center works to provide a holistic educational experience for students, teachers, and families. Its state-of-the-art facility, designed in collaboration with its surrounding community, recently received international recognition. Our team spent an afternoon learning how this award-winning center is creating an innovative model for early education.
Universal pre-K, affordable child care, and teacher shortages: Michigan Senate candidates weigh in
For many families, child care exceeds the cost of a mortgage or rental payments and rivals college tuition payments. Yet, child care employees have been among the lowest wage earners in the state. Parents and early education advocates showed up at a virtual forum recently to ask local candidates running for Michigan’s State Senate how they plan to fix this problem.
How will Michigan candidates support students with special needs?
Detroit parent Sparkle Berry wasn't afraid to ask Michigan candidates why she has to choose between quality education and special needs support for her son. At a recent forum, she and other parents and child care advocates brought hard-hitting questions to those looking for your vote. Read how local State Senate candidates responded.
