March 10, 2026
Photos available for media use
Early educators wearing pink shirts and holding children's books smile for a group photo.
LANSING, Mich. – Early educators across Michigan are gaining new tools to strengthen early literacy instruction through Literacy Day of Learning, an interactive training focused on evidence-based practices that support language, communication, and early reading development, giving them strategies they can immediately apply in their classrooms.
“Every child deserves a strong start in literacy, and every provider deserves the resources and support to make that possible,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). “Literacy Day of Learning gives Michigan’s early educators practical, evidence-based strategies to help children build the language and literacy skills that shape their future.”
In partnership with MiLEAP and supported through the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative (PDG B-5), Literacy Day of Learning highlights the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA) Literacy Essentials, designed to strengthen early literacy development for Michigan educators. The training explores the Essential Instructional Practices in Language and Emergent Literacy: Birth to Age 3 and the Essential Instructional Practices in Early Literacy: Prekindergarten.
“Early educators play an essential role in how children develop language and literacy,” said Emily Laidlaw, deputy director at MiLEAP overseeing the Office of Early Education. “The conversations they have with children, the books they read together, and the environments they create every day all shape how young learners grow. Literacy Days of Learning give early educators practical strategies they can use right away to strengthen those everyday moments.”
During a sold-out session held in Grand Rapids as part of the 2026 Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children (MiAEYC) Annual Conference, 100 early educators explored practical, classroom-ready strategies that support developmentally appropriate instruction, responsive interactions, and intentional learning environments. The session was led by a team of educators from the Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District - Michelle Sweet, Tricia-Smith-Bennett, and Justin Fox.
“This training was incredibly helpful because it connected research with real classroom practices,” said Ashley Storm, Lead GSRP Teacher for Perry Lower Elementary with Perry Public Schools in Shiawassee County. “I walked away with new strategies for encouraging conversation, using books more intentionally, and creating learning environments that support early literacy. It gave me ideas I’m excited to put into practice right away with the children in my classroom.”
Each session includes six hours of instruction that may count toward licensing professional development requirements.
Providers interested in participating can register for an upcoming session taking place in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula:
Marquette
MiLEAP is also hosting additional literacy-focused training events for child care providers and families across the state, including in Big Rapids, Jenison, and Clare. Those interested in regional literacy events should contact their local MiFamily Engagement Center coordinators.
These trainings also support Michigan’s broader effort to strengthen literacy outcomes statewide. MiLEAP and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) recently released “Every Child Reads: Next Steps Forward,” a strategy outlining how Michigan is strengthening literacy from early childhood through graduation for all students. The plan focuses on early starts, use of proven methods, and extra support for struggling readers.
Literacy is the foundation for lifelong success, and every child deserves a strong start. MiLEAP and Michigan leaders are working together to provide students with the tools and support they need to build lifelong reading, writing, and communication skills.
To learn more about Michigan’s work to strengthen early literacy and ensure every child reads, visit the “Every Child Reads: Next Steps Forward” webpage. Educators can also learn more about Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) on their webpage, including free training opportunities for eligible educators.
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About MiLEAP:
Established by Governor Whitmer in 2023, MiLEAP’s mission is to improve outcomes from birth to postsecondary so anyone can ‘make it in Michigan’ with a solid education and a path to a good-paying job. To learn more about MiLEAP, go to Michigan.gov/MiLEAP.
About the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA)
The Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators is comprised of superintendents and administrators representing the Intermediate School Districts (ISDs) of the State of Michigan. ISD administrators provide and coordinate essential services to their constituent school districts to facilitate teaching and learning.
Early educators attend Literacy Day of Learning training in Grand Rapids, watching a recorded message from Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Four early educators display children's books and training materials they received during the Literacy Day of Learning session.
Children's books and literacy resources displayed for early educators during the Literacy Day of Learning training.
Four early educators review training materials and discuss early literacy strategies during Literacy Day of Learning training.
Two early educators discuss literacy strategies during Literacy Day of Learning training.
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