Next Round of Literacy Trainings and Family Events Expands Across Michigan Amid Growing Demand for Early Learning Support

Events Planned in Marquette, Big Rapids, Jenison, Scottville, Clare, Metro Detroit and Northeast Michigan 

LANSING, Mich. – A new round of literacy-focused training events and family engagement opportunities is taking place across Michigan in 2026, building on earlier sessions and continuing to bring hands-on strategies and resources to early educators, child care providers, and families in communities statewide.

The Literacy Day of Learning events and related trainings, supported by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), are part of an ongoing series happening throughout the year in regions including the Upper Peninsula, West Michigan, Central Michigan, Metro Detroit, and Northeast Michigan. The expansion follows strong demand from educators and the value they provide to Michigan’s early childhood workforce—highlighted by a sold-out March session in Grand Rapids that reached 100 participants.

“Every child deserves a strong start in literacy, and every provider deserves the resources to make that possible,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “These events help equip educators and families with practical strategies that support children’s language and literacy development from the earliest years.”

In partnership with the state’s 10 regional MiFamily Engagement Centers – which connect families, educators, and community organizations to strengthen early learning and development – with additional collaboration from the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA) and local partners, these events are designed to support early literacy development from birth through preschool. Attendees will have an opportunity to explore practical, research-based strategies that educators and families can use immediately. Sessions focus on building children’s language, communication, and early reading skills through everyday interactions, intentional use of books, and literacy-rich environments.

Each training includes interactive, classroom-ready approaches and may offer up to six hours of instruction that count toward licensing professional development requirements.

Trainings are grounded in MAISA’s Literacy Essentials, which outline evidence-based instructional practices for children starting at birth.

"MAISA appreciates the partnership and collaboration opportunities with MiLEAP as we support the literacy and early initiatives across the state,” said Tonya Harrison, director of curriculum and instruction for MAISA. “Our shared goal is preparing young children for success in school and life, and these trainings give educators the opportunity to strengthen classroom literacy practices in meaningful ways.”

“Early educators play a critical role in how children learn and use language every day,” said Emily Laidlaw, deputy director at MiLEAP overseeing the Office of Early Education. “These trainings are designed to support that work with simple, practical tools that can be used right away.”

Upcoming events include: 

Upper Peninsula (Region 1) 

• Marquette – April 9, 2026 Literacy Day of Learning, held in partnership with the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children UP Conference. 

Western Michigan (Region 4) (all in partnership with the Great Start to Quality (GSQ) Western Resource Center)

• Big Rapids – May 16, 2026 Literacy Essentials Training: “Educators: Point Out the Print!” 

• Jenison – July 25, 2026 Literacy Essentials Training: “Educators: Get in the Groove with Books and Stories!” 

• Scottville – Sept. 25–26, 2026 Literacy Essentials Training: “Writing & Sounds” and “Keep the Conversation Going – with Children and Families” 

Central Michigan (Region 5)

• Clare – June 12, 2026 “Unplug and Play” family event featuring take-home literacy materials, held in partnership with the Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency

Additional events in Metro Detroit and Northeast Michigan will be announced in the coming months as the series continues.

“Attending a recent Literacy Day of Learning was an incredibly valuable experience,” said Judy Vitucci, Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) teacher at Oxford Early Learning Center in Oakland County, who attended a recent Literacy Day of Learning in Grand Rapids. “The training offered practical strategies I could immediately bring into my classroom, and it reinforced how important intentional literacy practices are in the early years. I would strongly encourage other early educators and leaders to take part in these sessions—they’re meaningful, relevant, and truly support the work we do every day with young learners.”

The expansion aligns with a broader strategy recently proposed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to improve literacy outcomes statewide. MiLEAP, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Education, recently released Every Child Reads: Next Steps Forward, a plan focused on strengthening literacy from early childhood through graduation using proven, research-based approaches. View the Every Child Reads website.

Literacy is foundational to lifelong success, and MiLEAP remains committed to ensuring every child in Michigan has access to high-quality early learning experiences that build strong reading, writing, and communication skills.

For more information about upcoming Literacy Day of Learning events or regional opportunities, individuals are encouraged to contact their local MiFamily Engagement Center.

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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.