Don’t Miss Out: Apply Now for Two Exciting Competitive Funding Opportunities 

ECIC’s Child Care Innovation Fund is excited to announce two competitive funding opportunities, now open for applications! Family Child Care Networks (FCCNs) and Regional Child Care Coalitions are continuing in 2025, and organizations across Michigan are invited to learn more about these programs. Eligible organizations may apply for one or both of these funding opportunities by Friday, January 31, at 5pm EST.  

*Individual child care providers or businesses are not eligible for these specific funding opportunities. 

Organizations interested in becoming an FCCN Hub or leading/co-leading a Regional Child Care Coalition are invited to apply.

Learn more about these opportunities.

Think Babies Michigan Receives National Grant to Strengthen Early Childhood Mental Health Systems 

The Think Babies Michigan Coalition (TBMI), powered by ECIC, has been selected to receive a competitive grant award from Perigee Fund as a part of their "Building Together: Equitable Systems for Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Mental Health" national initiative, which is providing $2.5 million over two years to enhance mental health systems for families with children aged prenatal to three. 

TBMI has worked to improve the health and well-being of infants, toddlers, and their families through partnerships and policy education. TBMI will use the funding to collaborate with stakeholders statewide, empowering trusted messengers to support perinatal, infant, and early childhood mental health. This grant will allow TBMI and its partners to focus on equity and family-driven priorities to drive systems change and strengthen mental health supports statewide. To learn more about the grant and collaborations, visit the ECIC website.

Upcoming Webinar - Every Family Counts: Inclusive Leadership for All Parent Voice 

Celebrate the diverse tapestry of modern families and learn how to create truly inclusive parent leadership opportunities. This session will spotlight strategies for engaging and empowering a wide range of family structures, including single parents, grandparents raising grandchildren, LGBTQIA+ parents, and families from various cultural backgrounds. Gain insights on overcoming personal biases, bridging cultural gaps, and designing leadership programs that resonate with all types of families. Hear inspiring stories from non-traditional parent leaders who are making a significant impact in their communities. 

Governor Whitmer, MiLEAP Distribute $24 Million in One-Time Operational Grants to Nearly 4,000 Child Care Providers 

Michigan provided $24 million in one-time grants to nearly 4,000 child care providers as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget to support staffing and operating costs. The funding aids providers in the Child Development and Care Scholarship program, which helps over 42,200 children access affordable child care. 

Congress Shifts Fiscal Decisions to March 

At both the state and federal levels, significant developments closed out the 2024 legislative season. Ahead of the December 21, 2024 deadline, Congressional leaders passed a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government through March 2025. Through the Further Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, the package included $500 million for child care:

• $250 million for child care facilities damaged by natural disasters, as well as temporary services for children in affected areas

• -$250 million in emergency supplemental funding to increase access to quality child care

Read more from the First Five Years Fund

Of note, the final bill came with unexpected challenges related to raising the country’s debt ceiling. Following the passage of the CR, then-Secretary of Treasury, Janet Yellen informed Congress the United States will need to begin utilizing “extraordinary measures” early in January to avoid defaulting on the country’s debt. This notification indicated the urgency of passing legislation to extend the nation’s borrowing capacity. The Department of Treasury would need to rely on administrative actions to continue meeting the country’s obligations before exceeding the debt limit and risking an unprecedented default.  

Early Childhood Advocates' Corner

Reflection: Lame Duck Session and a Divided Government Ahead

While the recent lame duck legislative session ended with some achievements—such as bills improving maternal and infant health—challenges remain. After the House failed to act in the final hours of the year, which delayed several key policy priorities, Senate Democrats proceeded with a 29-hour session, passing nearly 90 bills. Among these, nine bills focused on improving maternal and infant health, including:

• HB 4728 removes redundant testing requirements of donor milk to breast milk banks, reducing costs and barriers to donation for Michigan's two existing milk banks. 

• HB 5166 codifies Michigan's Perinatal Quality Collaborative, including the regional entities. Working throughout the state, the collaboratives are designed to improve outcomes for families during preconception, birth and postpartum periods. 

• HBs 5167 and 5168 require private insurance and Medicaid coverage of blood pressure monitors for all pregnant/postpartum patients. 

• HBs 5169, 5170 and 5171 require mental health screenings for new mothers as part of postpartum obstetrics or pediatrics appointments and require private insurance and Medicaid coverage for the services. 

• HB 5173 requires hospitals to share state-developed information about enrolling newborns in health insurance with new parents. 

As Michigan transitions from its first Democratic trifecta in over 40 years and returns to a divided government, advocates' voices will continue to have a crucial role in shaping policies that ensure all Michigan children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Join us on March 12 for Capitol Day to make your voice heard.

Get Involved: In the Community

TBMI Parent Leader Spotlight: Yolanda Johnson

Strolling Thunder is Seeking Families to Share their Story

ZERO TO THREE is connecting babies and families with their Members of Congress and they're looking for a family from Michigan! On May 20, babies and families from all 50 states and the District of Columbia will meet with their Members of Congress as part of ZERO TO THREE’s national Strolling Thunder ^TM event! These families will go to Capitol Hill to remind their policymakers that this country can be a better place for babies. No experience necessary and travel expenses are paid! 

Will you or a family you know be a 2025 Strolling Thunder family? Learn more about the event and submit an interest form to be considered as a 2025 family participant.

Completed interest forms due on January 31.

Career Opportunities at ECIC

Starting a career at ECIC means joining a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families. Visit our Careers page to discover current opportunities and become part of a team making a meaningful impact in early childhood systems. Current openings include, Assessors, Innovation Associate, Early Childhood Career Development Specialist, Technical Assistance (TA) Consultant, Infant Toddler Network (ITN) Manager and a Grants & Contracts Manager.