LANSING, Mich. – This week, the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC), in partnership with Pulse at the W.E. Upjohn Institute, and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), unveiled the 2025 Childcare Champions of Michigan: a group of business leaders setting the standard for child care support at a critical juncture for families, businesses, and state policy.

“Employers play a key role in ensuring that we’re building a system that works for all working families,” said Kathy Szenda Wilson, founder and co-executive director at Pulse. “Together with the work we’re doing with municipalities, economic developers, childcare workers, elected officials, and families, we’re making progress building the public and political will to make serious change.”

With childcare costs rising, provider shortages increasing, and many working parents stretched thin, Michigan’s childcare system has become a major focus for policy leaders. Data released just this week in the 2025 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book underscores the urgency.  According to this year’s report, at an average of $10,023 annually for infant care, child care is one of the biggest expenses families face. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers child care affordable if it costs less than 7% of a family’s income, but by this standard, just 1 in 4 families can afford infant care.

“The data is clear: families are being squeezed and child care providers are struggling, resulting in too many children without dependable, affordable care,” said Alicia Guevara, CEO of ECIC. “Employers who step up do more than support their workforce: they help stabilize entire communities. It is our hope that by shining a light on their leadership, we’ll inspire other businesses and policymakers to work together toward stronger systems of care for all Michigan families.”

2025 Childcare Champions of Michigan

• Alcona Community Schools – Provides free before- and after-school care for staff, prioritizes early childhood education, and is working toward program licensure to better serve families.

• Kalsec – Offers the Farmhouse on-site early learning center, providing subsidized, high-quality childcare and peace of mind for employees.

• Bronson Healthcare – Invests in high-quality childcare solutions in Battle Creek, expands preschool access, and is Michigan’s largest contributor to the MI Tri-Share program.

• MSU Federal Credit Union – Partners with Learning Care Group to provide discounted childcare tuition, waived fees, and priority enrollment, saving employees nearly $50,000 annually.

• Commongrounds – Prioritized childcare in its Traverse City mixed-use development, creating a licensed Montessori program serving local families and MI Tri-Share participants while advancing statewide childcare policy.

• Wolverine Coil Spring Co. – An early leader in championing childcare solutions that support employees while strengthening the local community.

• Genesee County – A standout MI Tri-Share leader, making childcare support simple, accessible, and impactful for dozens of employees and their families.

• Vantage Plastics – Celebrated for strong leadership and commitment to providing meaningful childcare support for employees.

• Hemlock Semiconductor – Recognized for leadership and long-term investment in childcare solutions for its workforce.

“These champions are being recognized not only for their leadership today, but for what their efforts represent for Michigan’s future,” said Emily Laidlaw, deputy director at MILEAP. “Their commitment sends a clear message: employer investment in child care is not just beneficial, it’s essential. It must be a key part of Michigan’s policy agenda moving forward.”

Pulse at the W.E. Upjohn Institute is dedicated to transforming the early childhood landscape by equipping communities with data-driven solutions and actionable roadmaps. Their work bridges the gap between research and practice, ensuring that every child, family, and provider has access to the resources they need to thrive. Through collaborative efforts with stakeholders across Michigan, they drive sustainable change in childcare accessibility, workforce development, and policy innovation.

This Project is supported by funding provided from the MiLEAP utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, from the Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To learn more about early childhood issues in Michigan, visit www.ecic4kids.org.