Education

Coverage of schools from kindergarten through higher education, including trade and online classes.

Detroit vs. outstate: Do child care challenges differ for urban and rural families?

While geography shapes experience, families face similar struggles finding child care.

Latest in Education
Educating students in the midst of state funding delays is the top priority for Battle Creek school districts

Amid delays and political fights in Lansing, Battle Creek and Lakeview school districts are scrambling to balance their budgets, maintain essential services, and protect students as the promised state funding from the Michigan School Aid Fund remains uncertain.

Ryan Yates, dad and Duncan Aviation engine line technician.
Early care and education: A boon for children, families and the economy

Expanding access to affordable, high-quality early care and education could support working parents, strengthen the state’s labor market, and promote gender equity.

Monica Smith, Yevgenia Gazman, and Christine Sauvé, MIRC Detroit Office.
Attacks on immigrant families and what that means for early education

Community-based organizations report that approximately 15% of students  withdrew from preschool programs within weeks due to immigration enforcement activity. Advocates and policy researchers attribute these shifts to the growing climate of fear among immigrant families in Michigan.

Julie Molenda
SBAM Nurture Benefits program enhances compensation for child care providers

The Small Business Association of Michigan Nurture Benefits will expand access to health insurance, life insurance, and retirement savings for Michigan's child care providers.  

Rx Kids has provided for the Wright family stability during an unpredictable time.
More than a stipend: Rx Kids is transforming childhood beginnings

Rx Kids, the country’s first universal and unconditional cash prescription program for pregnant people and infants, provides financial support to every eligible family within a geographic area, no income requirements, no strings attached. Families receive a one-time $1,500 payment during pregnancy and $500 per month during the baby’s first year of life.  

Voices of Youth: Death of transgender man Sam Nordquist raises concern for safety of trans youth

The recent death of Sam Nordquist, a transgender 24-year-old, has called attention to a rise in violence and discrimination against transgender youth.  Many are addressing this issue, but also say much still needs to be done to protect trans youth.

All Gods Children Developmental Learning Center plans to be certified by  Michigan’s free PreK for All program by fall of 2025.
Detroit early education center preparing littles for “the next phase in life” despite challenges

All of Gods Children Developmental Learning Center in Detroit exemplifies the need for addressing early education professionals low wages and the need for increased state child care subsidies.

PreK for All ensures that every 4-year-old in Michigan has access to a high-quality preschool experience, regardless of income.
“A lifeline for families,” PreK for All expands access and raises expectations

Enrollment in PreK for All is now open for all families, no matter their income. The program operates across a mixed delivery system, including local school districts, public charter schools, private child care providers, Head Start programs, and community-based organizations.    

No-cost pre-K for all Michigan 4-year-olds enrolling for 2025-26 school year

QA with Jeffrey Capizzano, Policy Equity Group, on the implementation of Pre-K for All no-cost preschool for Michigan 4-year-olds.

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