Kids and Education

Pulse collaboration with MiLeap seeks to transform child care access in Michigan

The Pulse initiative is transforming early childhood in Michigan by bridging the gap between research and practice.

Latest in Kids and Education
Gentex
 ‘Model could scale statewide’: Gentex builds nature-based daycare

Gentex partners with ODC to launch a 43,000-square-foot, nature-based preschool, tackling West Michigan’s childcare shortage and inspiring statewide replication.

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

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

CAAC
Allegan collaboration delivers backpacks to students

Community partners unite to supply backpacks and school essentials, preparing Allegan County children to begin the school year.

2025 Autism Hero Walk Banner
Autism Hero Walk: Grab your capes and get ready to fly!

Join 5,000 families at the Detroit Zoo Sept. 20 for the Autism Hero Walk, celebrating Michigan’s autism community with fun, support, and resources.

Matthew Verley drops off his son Lil' Matt at child care.
Access to affordable, reliable child care as vital for dads as moms

People often think of child care as a women's or a mother's issue. However, access to affordable, reliable, high quality child care equally benefits fathers. 

Two boys fish during ODC’s “Best of Summer” event at Lake Hills Elementary.
Spring Lake program expands summer learning with $618K MiLEAP grant

MiLEAP’s $618K investment helps Outdoor Discovery Center double sites, expand summer programs, and prevent learning loss for West Michigan students.

Scholarship recipients James Friggins (left) and Nia Theune (right) with Fund Advisor, Dorothy A. Johnson (center).
Ice cream social celebrates scholarships, bright futures for area students

Grand Haven’s annual ice cream social honors 229 scholarship recipients, highlighting community support, student achievement, and investment in education’s future.

Monica Smith, Yevgenia Gazman, and Christine Sauvé, MIRC Detroit Office.
الهجمات على العائلات المهاجرة وما تعنيه لتعليم الطفولة المبكرة

في عام 2024، لاحظ معلمو الطفولة المبكرة في جنوب غرب ديترويت انخفاضًا كبيرًا في تسجيل الأطفال في مرحلة ما قبل المدرسة، وذلك بعد تصاعد نشاط تنفيذ قوانين الهجرة. وعلى الرغم من أن هذا الانخفاض لم يتم توثيقه رسميًا في ذلك الوقت، أفادت منظمات مجتمعية أن ما يقارب 15٪ من الطلاب تم سحبهم من برامج ما قبل المدرسة في المنطقة خلال أسابيع قليلة.

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.

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