Investments in Child Care: The Key to Unlocking Limitless Potential | |
Parents as Partners: The Evolution of Family Leadership in Early Childhood | |
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Join ECIC's National Center for Parent Leadership on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 from 12:00-1:00 pm for a dive into the rich history of parent engagement in early childhood. Experts will discuss how parent involvement has evolved, particularly for historically marginalized communities, and offer insights on fostering genuine partnerships between families and early childhood professionals. Gain valuable strategies for empowering parents as true change agents in shaping the future of early childhood.
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Celebrating Michigan’s Childcare Champions | |
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Join ECIC, Pulse at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, Regional Childcare Planners of Michigan, and businesses from across the state as we honor employers who are helping families work in Michigan by bridging the child care gap.
This celebration is at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in Lansing on September 18, 10:30 am-12:00 pm
This event is supported by funding provided from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP) utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, from the Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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In Policy: Acting for Young Kids & Families | |
Lead Testing Rules Hearing Set | |
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On September 23, a public hearing will be held regarding a proposed administrative rule change by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). The rule would require all children to undergo blood testing for lead before the age of six, with mandatory tests at 12 and 24 months. This change aligns MDHHS practices with the state law enacted in 2023.
The public is invited to provide input during the hearing, which will begin at 9 a.m. in Rooms 1K/1L of the South Grand Tower Building. Additionally, MDHHS will accept written comments until 5:00 pm on September 27 by emailing: MDHHS-AdminRules@michigan.gov
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Early Childhood Advocates' Corner | |
Small Business Meets with Michigan State Representatives | |
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Representative Synder (D - Muskegon) and Christina Achterhoff, District Representative for Senator Bumstead (R - Muskegon), joined ECIC and community partners for a site visit to discuss the needs of Michigan child care businesses.
Legislators and staff were greeted by Stephanie Marion, Owner and Founder of Solutions Learning Group, Toni Garcia, CEO of Solutions Learning Group, and Ebony Ervin, Director of the Lakeside Center. During the visit, the group discussed the impact of the Infant/Toddler Quality Improvement (ITQI) grant and the importance of quality care for young children.
Learn more about the Muskegon site visit here.
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PreK For All Continuing to Expand | |
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Big news for little learners! PreK For All eligibility requirements have expanded to include more families in Michigan. This option for early care and learning may be a good fit for families. More Michigan children have access to free PreK thanks to $130 million state budget investment, estimated to save families $10,000 a year
To learn more about the opportunity for free preschool enrollment, visit: MiFreePreschool.org
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Think Babies Michigan Parent Leader Spotlight | |
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Sixteen years ago, Tamara Tucker attended a parenting class that changed her life, transforming her approach to motherhood and sparking a passion for advocacy. Now a community leader, she draws from her own experiences navigating CPS and raising her late daughter’s son to empower others. Discover how Tamara continues to inspire families and join her in advocating for Michigan families with Think Babies Michigan!
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Get Involved: In the Community | |
State and National AEYC Upcoming Events | |
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Michigan AEYC Legislative Luncheon: Join your peers and Legislators on September 25th for lunch and conversation about early childhood education. Michigan AEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate and work on behalf of young children. Learn more about the September 25th Legislative Luncheon.
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2024 Michigan AEYC Infant Toddler Conference: The 2024 Infant Toddler Conference will take place in-person on November 15 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Detroit in Dearborn, Michigan. Infant and toddler caregivers, home based caregivers, Early Head Start, Early On, Even Start, First Families, administrators, and all who touch the lives of Michigan’s infant and toddler population are invited to network, engage with your peers and learn from the best at this year’s conference on November 15, 2024.
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Celebrating Family, Friend, and Neighbor Caregivers (Sept. 8-13) | |
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Family, Friend, and Neighbor Appreciation Week was the 2nd annual celebration of FFN Caregivers highlighted by Home Grown, a national collaborative of funders committed to improving the quality of and access to home-based child care. It is estimated that over 5 million FFN caregivers look after 11.5 million children, including 6.8 million children ages 0-5 each year nationally. FFN Appreciation Week was intentionally celebrated with National Grandparents' Day to recognize the millions of grandparents who support our communities and care for young children.
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