ECIC CEO Alicia Guevara Testifies on Child Care Legislation | |
On March 10, 2026, ECIC CEO Alicia Guevara testified before the Michigan Senate Committee on Housing and Human Services regarding Senate Bills 310 - 313 and 733. These bills aim to strengthen Michigan’s child care system.
In her testimony, Guevara emphasized the essential role of the child care workforce and the need for reimbursement rates that reflect the true cost of care. She also highlighted the broader economic impact of the state’s child care shortage and expressed support for the legislation as a step forward.
| Share Your Story: Early Childhood Mental Health | |
ECIC and statewide partners are working to protect access to early childhood mental health services amid funding threats – and we need your help.
Parents, providers, and systems leaders are invited to share a short (60 seconds or less) video about their experience with services like home visiting, Early On, doula care, and infant and early childhood mental health supports.
In-person interviews will also be held in Lake Orion, MI on March 23–24; families will be compensated for this opportunity.
Videos will be used for educational purposes to highlight the importance of these services across Michigan.
Questions? Contact Hannah Lupi at hlupi@bellwetherpr.com or Kelly Walden at kwalden@ecic4kids.org.
For more information, please visit this form.
| | ECIC Makes an Impact at Early Childhood Conference | | |
Earlier this month, ECIC joined 2,000 early educators from across the state at the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children (MI-AEYC) Annual Early Childhood Conference.
At the conference, ECIC connected with providers and educators, shared resources, and strengthened partnerships to support a stronger early care and education system. ECIC was also featured in multiple sessions, including CEO Alicia Guevara’s participation in the opening plenary and five staff-led breakout sessions.
Read our latest blog to learn more about ECIC at the MI-AEYC conference.
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In Policy: Following the FY27 Budget & Taking Action
State Policy
| | Increase Early On Funding in the FY27 Budget | | |
Michigan’s Early On program provides support for infants and toddlers with developmental delays by working directly with families to build skills that help children grow and learn. While the Governor’s proposed FY27 budget includes a $1.45 million increase, the program remains underfunded and demand has continued to rise since the pandemic—meaning some eligible children may miss out on critical early support. These services are especially important for building early language skills for children with speech and language delays, as communication skills build the foundation for literacy and school success.
To ensure more families can access these supports, the Early On Coalition, part of the Think Babies Michigan Coalition, encourages Michiganders to contact their state lawmakers to support a $5 million increase in Early On funding for fiscal year 2027.
| | Why Early Childhood Systems Matter | |
For more than 20 years, Great Start Collaboratives and Family Coalitions helped Michigan families access the services and supports they need for their young children. With this funding eliminated in the FY26 state budget, advocates are now working to restore support for local early childhood systems in FY27.
These efforts focus on ensuring families can access services, elevating parent voice and leadership, strengthening cross-sector collaboration, and building solutions tailored to local community needs.
Read more from Mina Hong, ECIC’s Vice President of Strategic Impact.
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| Early Childhood Advocates' Corner | | Turn the Table Virtual Office Hours | | |
Pull up a seat, because it's time we turn the tables! Have questions on how to ensure families’ experiences are strengthening your programs, services, and systems? The National Center for Family & Parent Leadership can help!
We're here to help you build capacity to expand and embed family and parent leadership to improve early childhood systems in Michigan and across the country.
Join us for virtual office hours on Thursday, April 9th at 1 p.m. EST.
Questions? Email FPL@ecic4kids.org.
| | Join ECIC for Advocacy 101 and 201 Trainings | | |
Advocacy 101: Virtual Trainings on April 6th
Learn more about the Michigan state budget and legislative processes, Michigan's state government, and the basics of legislative advocacy.
This training is open to all interested advocates, families, parents, caretakers, providers, community members, and early care and education professionals – no prior advocacy experience needed.
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Advocacy 201: Virtual Trainings on April 8th
Learn more about ways to take action, effective messaging strategies, and how to share your powerful stories and experience with representatives.
This training is open to all interested advocates, families, parents, caretakers, providers, community members, and early care and education professionals - no prior advocacy experience needed.
Attendance at Advocacy 101 is not required to attend this training.
| | In Case You Missed It: ECIC In the News | | Get Involved: In the Community | | Michigan Infant and Toddler Caregiver Certificate | |
Do you currently work with, or have staff that work with, infants and/or toddlers? Are you interested in working with infants and/or toddlers as part of your career pathway? The NEW Michigan Infant and Toddler Caregiver Certificate is here, and our Interest Form is now open on our website! This certificate has been designed to recruit, train, and retain infant-toddler educators.
Participants receive training, coaching, and mentoring through a 5-month cohort, with the next cohort beginning in August 2026. During this introductory period, participants who complete the program are eligible for a $1,000 stipend.
Visit our website to learn more and complete an interest form today!
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Thursday, April 10, in Marquette, MI
10 AM to 4:30 PM
Free with 2026 MiAEYC UP Conference registration (lunch provided)
This interactive session helps child care providers strengthen early literacy instruction for children from birth to age 5. Participants will explore evidence-based practices and leave with practical strategies to use immediately.
Each session includes 6 hours of professional development eligible for licensing requirements.
Questions? Contact Ella Patrona at patronae@r2pconsultants.com.
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