April 01, 2026
LANSING, Mich. – A new joint report highlights Michigan’s continued progress in expanding access to high-quality PreK, with growing child care availability, more providers opening or expanding, and sustained investments to strengthen the state’s early childhood system.
The Child Care Mapping Research Brief, Advancing Michigan’s PreK System through Growth and Opportunity, released by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) and Michigan State University (MSU) examines how these efforts have increased access for families and supported the providers behind the state’s PreK for All system.
“Michigan has made tremendous strides in expanding access to affordable, high-quality early learning, and this report confirms that our investments are making a real difference for families,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, MiLEAP director. “We remain focused on strengthening our workforce, supporting providers across all settings, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.”
The report shows how Michigan has expanded child care across the state, with more than 1,000 businesses opening or expanding by 2024 through the Caring for MI Future initiative. Since 2022, more than 40% of providers across all types – including family and group-homes – have opened or expanded classrooms, giving families more options to high-quality early learning programs that fit their needs.
Building on this progress, the report emphasizes the importance of continuing to support providers and strengthen the early childhood workforce to sustain growth. MiLEAP’s recent efforts include expanded compensation and benefits, apprenticeship programs, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® MICHIGAN Scholarships, and enhanced professional development opportunities.
Together, these efforts have contributed to record statewide PreK for All enrollment.
“Michigan’s progress demonstrates what’s possible when research, policy, and practice are aligned,” said Jamie Wu, director of the Engaged Research and Evaluation Center at MSU’s Office of University Outreach and Engagement and research assistant professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. “This work shows that with sustained investment and data-informed decision-making, the state can continue to expand access while strengthening quality and supporting the early childhood workforce.”
As Michigan expands free PreK for All and increases wages, the report emphasizes the importance of supporting home-based providers, strengthening the workforce pipeline, and maintaining infant and toddler care capacity.
“At MiLEAP, we’re focused on improving the entire early childhood system, especially as we continue to see participation increases in PreK for All.” said Emily Laidlaw, deputy director at MiLEAP overseeing the Office of Early Education. “That means supporting both home-based and center-based providers and making sure families can find high-quality options that meet their needs. This report shows how important it is to continue to invest in our early educator workforce and maintain a mix of program types so every child has a strong start.”
It also underscores the state’s commitment to early literacy through Every Child Reads, a priority of Governor Gretchen Whitmer to improve reading outcomes for young learners.
As Michigan advances toward PreK for All the report concludes that continued collaboration between state leaders, providers, and research institutions will be essential to maintaining momentum and delivering lasting gains in access, quality, and child outcomes.
PreK for All enrollment is now open for families. Learn more at MiPreKforAll.org.
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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 MSU’s Engaged Research and Evaluation Center
The Engaged Research and Evaluation Center (EREC) at Michigan State University conducts research and evaluation projects focused on the access, quality, and impacts of initiatives for the public good and translates research into practical, user-friendly products. EREC partners with communities to produce engaged scholarships and promote a healthier, more productive environment for all. To learn more about EREC, please visit https://erec.msu.edu/.
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