Take Action: Early Childhood in the Federal Budget

Congress failed to pass a federal budget for fiscal year 2026; and, as a result, the federal government has been shut down since October 1 with no clear end in sight. This shutdown is creating uncertainty for essential programs and services Michigan’s children and families rely on, and threatens Michigan’s already strained early childhood system.  

Use ECIC’s federal budget resources to learn more about how you can take action and mobilize your networks.

New Resources: How Will Michigan's State Budget Affect Early Childhood?

What’s in the FY2026 State Budget Deal for Early Childhood? ECIC’s new blog post and report break down the FY26 Michigan budget signed into law on October 7.  

Michigan lawmakers prioritized funding for PreK for All by expanding investments in the statewide Great Start Readiness Program and expanded the Rx Kids cash prescription program. However, many early childhood programs were funded at the same level as FY25, which does not account for rising costs and inflation rates. Additionally, the elimination of funding for Great Start Collaboratives and Great Start Family Coalitions will undo decades of progress that worked to ensure local early childhood programs and services are responsive to families’ needs.

Learn more about how early childhood programs fared in the state’s FY26 budget on ECIC’s blog.

Read ECIC’s CEO Alicia Guevara’s statement on the FY26 state budget.

Protections for Children with Disabilities At Risk with Federal Staff Layoffs

The federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) faced massive layoffs last week, as part of a larger reduction in force in the U.S. Department of Education. ECIC stands with national partners at the Division for Early Childhood and Council for Exceptional Children in opposing these layoffs.

The lack of staff who oversee implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) will result in lost federal accountability for Michigan’s Early On program and Early Childhood Special Education, ultimately risking equitable and inclusive access to critical early childhood services for our young children with disabilities. Take action for OSEP today!

Early Childhood Advocates' Corner

Upcoming Webinar: What Families Are Facing Right Now

Save the Date: Join the National Center for Family and Parent Leadership (NCFPL) for their next Quarterly Webinar!  

What Families Are Facing Right Now

November 6, 1-2 p.m. ET

Families know best what they are living through — and parent leaders know how to translate those experiences into leadership. This session centers parents as truth-tellers and guides, grounding the conversation in what families are navigating: gaps in child care, challenges with mental health access, economic pressures, and the search for services that feel welcoming and equitable.

Get Involved: In the Community

MI-AIMH's 3rd Annual Infant Mental Health Capitol Day  

CELFE Mixed Delivery Webinar featuring ECIC's Joan Blough

ECIC Vice President of Innovation and Evaluation Joan Blough joined the Center for Early Learning Funding Equity (CELFE) for the second installation of their Mixed Delivery Webinar Series: From Patchwork to Systems. This session discussed using data and community input to build early education financing strategies.

Learn more about CELFE’s series and watch the recording.

ECIC is Hiring!

Join our team of early childhood advocates! ECIC is currently hiring for the following roles: 

• Technical Assistance Consultant 
• Manager, Strategic Impact 
• Program Manager, Regional Child Care Coalitions 

Learn more and apply today.

Providers' Corner

MIAEYC Infant Toddler Conference

Join the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children (MIAEYC) in Kalamazoo on Friday, November 7! Registration is open for the annual MIAEYC Infant Toddler Conference. Join ECIC's breakout session to learn more about the new Michigan Infant Toddler Care Certificate (MI-ITCC).