Michigan
Working families in Michigan need accessible, affordable, quality child care and early learning opportunities for their children.
Currently, federal and state early learning programs reach thousands of young children and their families in Michigan. But too many working families in Michigan are missing out. As a direct result of child care issues, the Michigan economy loses millions of dollars each year in the form of lost earnings, productivity, and revenue.
There are 669k children ages 5 and under in Michigan – 65% of these children have all available parents in the workforce.
The typical annual cost of child care for an infant in Michigan is around $12,600.
The Child Care and Development Block Grant only reaches 7% of eligible families. This federal program helps low-income parents afford child care.
On average, child care providers in Michigan earn just $28,860 a year; this can make it a challenge to recruit and retain this workforce, leading to supply issues.
Michigan’s economy loses $3B annually due to child care challenges.
Michigan: In The Headlines
For some families, child care costs more than rent, study finds
Upper Michigan Source | January 19, 2026
The cost of childcare has risen 35.3% since 2019.
Opinion: Affordable, accessible child care is as vital as safe infrastructure
Crain’s Detroit | January 26, 2026
Michigan has long treated roads and bridges as the backbone of its economy. But the real infrastructure crisis is child care.
Opinion: Affordable, accessible child care is essential for Michigan’s economy
Crain’s Detroit | January 26, 2026
Michigan’s economy cannot thrive if parents cannot participate fully in the workforce.
Michigan Resources & News
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