$150K grant to address pressing need for quality, affordable child care
What’s your biggest hurdle as a child care center?
Are you able to afford quality child care in your area?
Finding the answers to these questions and more are part of what Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) will achieve with a $150,000 Regional Child Care Planning Grant from the State of Michigan and the Early Childhood Investment Corporation’s (ECIC) Child Care Innovation Fund.
The funding announced Friday by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, is part of a $2.4 million grant program that aims to lower the costs of and expand access to child care.
“Child care is the backbone of our economy,” Whitmer said, in the news release. “Access to quality, affordable child care supports parents as they go back to work, ensures kids have the support they need to grow into their best selves, and helps businesses hire, recruit, and retain talent.
“To achieve these big goals, we need everyone to pitch in. Today, I’m proud to announce that 16 organizations across the state are stepping up to organize local coalitions and planning efforts to make child care more affordable and accessible. Grant recipients will benefit Michiganders in 81 counties and every region of the state. Together, we will build on our vision to ensure every family has access to child care that meets their needs.”
MCPED is one of 16 Regional Child Care Planning Grant recipients.
The goal of the initiative, which is led by the ECIC in partnership with the Michigan Department of Education and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, is to bring together regional coalitions to understand child care facilities and workforce needs and develop a plan that meets the needs and preferences of working families. Ultimately, it hopes to address Michigan’s pressing need for high-quality, affordable child care.
“Macomb County is looking forward to the opportunity to study the current state of our child care system to determine what types of support might help to strengthen it,” said Vicky Rowinksi, director of Macomb County Planning and Economic Development. “Soon, we will be calling upon families, child care providers and local employers to provide input as we gather information.”
Individuals looking to get involved in Macomb County’s effort should contact Jennifer Weot at jennifer.weot@macombgov.org.