Governor Whitmer's

State of the State Address

ECIC responded to Governor Whitmer’s final State of the State address, recognizing her continued leadership and commitment to early childhood, literacy, and family-focused policies.

The governor highlighted the importance of addressing kitchen table issues, and ECIC emphasized that few issues are more immediate for families than the start of parenthood and a child’s earliest years.

Early childhood investments are not only critical for literacy and long-term educational outcomes, but also for family economic stability and workforce participation to support local businesses. As families continue to face rising health care costs, workforce pressures, and limited access to reliable child care, ECIC reaffirmed that early childhood is a shared responsibility across sectors.

ECIC looks forward to working with the governor and lawmakers in her final year to ensure progress continues and investments in the earliest years remain a top priority for Michigan’s future.

Latest News

Protect Michigan's Children in Early Learning Spaces

Children need safe and stable environments to learn and grow, especially in their earliest years. That’s why the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC) is encouraging you to contact Michigan lawmakers and share why it is important for children to be protected by any immigration enforcement efforts.

The Michigan Senate is considering Senate Bill 508 (SB 508), which would prohibit immigration enforcement actions in sensitive locations such as schools, child care centers, and other early learning spaces. When enforcement occurs in or near these environments, children may witness the detention of a parent or caregiver, experience fear and emotional distress, or face sudden disruptions to their learning and care. Families may also stop sending children to school or child care out of fear, limiting access to critical early learning and support services and placing educators in impossible situations as they respond to trauma and separation.

Research shows that toxic stress in early childhood can have lasting effects on brain development, mental health, and educational outcomes. SB 508 helps ensure early learning environments remain safe, trusted spaces where children and families can access care without fear.

Readers are encouraged to learn more and take action by contacting and educating their state senator on this issue through ECIC’s Action Center.

Find us at the Michigan AEYC Conference:

Presenter(s): Charlotte Galgoci & Amber Vanderzalm 

Session Title: The Power of Everyday Moments: Enhancing Quality Interactions with Toddlers  

Date & Time: Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 8:45am – 10:00am 

Room Location: Grand Gallery Overlook A-B

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Presenter(s): Kelly Walden 

Session Title: Making CACFP Work: Provider Voices Leading Policy Solutions 

Date & Time: Friday, March 5, 2026 from 3:15pm - 4:30 pm 

Room Location: Atrium - Atrium Level, Amway  

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Presenter(s): Amy Moore 

Session Title: Nurturing Development: The Power of Authentic Assessment in Early Childhood 

Date & Time: Friday, March 6, 2026 from 7:45am – 9:00am 

Room Location: Imperial Ballroom – Concourse Level, Amway  

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Presenter(s): Charlotte Galgoci & Amber Vanderzalm  

Session Title: Quality Interactions in Action: How to Promote Meaningful Engagements with School-aged Children  

Date & Time: Friday, March 6, 2026 from 3:15pm - 4:30 pm 

Room Location: Emerald A & B - Concourse Level, Amway 

In Case You Missed It: ECIC In the News

Guevara: Michigan’s progress for young children is real and worth protecting (The Detroit News)

Will new MiLEAP policies better support small and home-based child care spaces? (Concentrate)

Infant Toddler Quality Improvement pilot program shows wage increases work (Outlier Media)

Experts say ICE raids near schools, daycares threaten kids' development (WWJ)

Capital Area Child Care Coalition Receives Renewed Funding to Strengthen Regional Child Care System (Michigan Business Network)

ECIC responded to Governor Whitmer’s FY 2027 executive budget recommendation, highlighting it as an important first step while urging lawmakers to go further with investments that begin at birth. While the proposal includes continued support for early learning, literacy, and family supports, ECIC emphasized that early childhood investments remain one of the strongest drivers of long-term economic stability, workforce participation, and child well being.

As the budget process moves forward, ECIC is calling on lawmakers to protect and strengthen early childhood investments, even in a tight fiscal year, recognizing that supporting children and families is foundational to Michigan’s future.

Check out ECIC’s Policy and Outreach Associate Olivia Gorczyca’s blog on the impact of the Governor’s budget recommendation on families with young children. 

For additional early childhood details and to follow along through the rest of this budget season, take a look at ECIC’s FY27 Budget Tracker.

Early Childhood Advocates' Corner

Register Now for NCFPL's Next Quarterly Webinar!

The National Center for Family & Parent Leadership's next webinar, hosted on Thursday, March 12 at 1 p.m., will discuss parents as problem-solvers, not just participants.

NCFPL Quarterly Webinar

Thursday, March 12, 2026

1-2 p.m. ET

Join the ECIC Team!

ECIC is hiring! Join our team of dreamers and doers working to support children and families. Learn more and apply today:

Assessor I

Director, Great Start to Quality

Program Grants Associate

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Literacy Day of Learning