Stipend payments will reach over 2,500 child care providers statewide, delivering direct support to Michigan’s early childhood workforce
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) and the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District (GOISD) today announced statewide participation in the $16 million Early Childhood Educator Wage Initiative, launched in November. With all 10 of Michigan’s Regional Child Care Coalitions now participating and funding amounts finalized, stiped payments are beginning to reach over 2,500 child care providers across the state. These payments deliver direct support to the workforce that serves Michigan’s children and families.
“With all 10 regions now on board, this investment strengthens local partnerships and reinforces our commitment to building a more stable early childhood workforce all across Michigan,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “Stipend payments are already reaching child care providers, providing immediate support to the professionals who care for and teach our state’s youngest learners. When we support educators, we strengthen the entire system, helping to ensure families across Michigan can access reliable, high-quality child care in their communities.”
Through the initiative, each coalition was eligible to receive up to $1.6 million, based on required matching funds and in-kind contributions. The funding supports monthly stipends of up to $200 for part-time and $300 for full-time early childhood educators and assistant teachers, while strengthening long-term wage stability and addressing statewide workforce shortages in child care.
“GOISD is honored to work alongside MiLEAP and our regional partners to deliver meaningful, direct support to early childhood educators across Michigan,” said Alan Tulppo, GOISD superintendent. “By investing in the professionals who nurture and teach our youngest learners, we are strengthening the stability of the workforce, supporting working families, and reinforcing the foundation of our state’s future.”
Final Recommended Grantee Awards:
Organization | Award Amount |
4 C of the Upper Peninsula (Region 1) Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon, Schoolcraft | $1.6M |
NW Michigan Council of Gov/Networks NW (Region 2) Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, Wexford | $1.6M |
Develop Iosco (Region 3)’ Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon | $1.6M |
Vibrant Futures (Region 4) Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Ottawa | $1.6M |
Middle Michigan Development Corp (Region 5) Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, Saginaw | $1.6M |
Child Care Network (Region 6) Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair, Tuscola | $1.6M |
Lansing Economic Area Partnership (Region 7) Clinton, Eaton, Ingham | $1,527,747 |
W.E. Upjohn Institute Unemployment Trustee Corporation (Region 8) Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Van Buren | $1.6M |
Child Care Network (Region 9) Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, Washtenaw | $1.6M |
IFF (Region 10) Oakland, Macomb, Wayne | $1.6M |
“Strengthening the early childhood workforce is essential to strengthening our regional economy,” said Bob Trezise, president & CEO at the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP). “LEAP is proud to step forward to manage this program for Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties – supporting employers with a more reliable workforce while helping hundreds of child care professionals earn higher wages as they care for children and families in our communities.”
The Wage Initiative is administered by MiLEAP and GOISD, with technical support provided by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC).
“While research shows that early childhood educators earn far less than professionals with similar education and experience, this initiative is a major step forward in compensating our educators,” said Alicia Guevara, CEO of ECIC. “A better supported workforce means stronger outcomes for our children in all areas of life, including literacy, lifelong learning, and overall well-being, while also boosting local economies.”
Regional coalitions are responsible for recruiting eligible providers, distributing stipend funds, and supporting ongoing evaluation and quality improvement efforts. The initiative will run through September 2027.
To learn more about MiLEAP’s work to strengthen Michigan’s early childhood workforce and support families across the state, visit the MiLEAP Office of Early Education webpage.
