Underfunding early child care has far-reaching impacts
The U.S economy loses an estimated $122 billion a year through lost earnings, productivity, and tax revenue because of the challenge parents have in finding early child care.
Early Education Matters
This year's stories for this important series builds on our work covering early education issues and innovation in Southeast Michigan. Focusing on what both parents and providers are experiencing, we dive into what's working (and what's not), and who is uncovering solutions. The series is made possible with funding from the Southeast Michigan Early Childhood Funders Collaborative.
Detroit early education programs serve as models for PreK for All
Many great examples of pre-K programs that have been well executed exist across the nation. Right here in Michigan, Detroit’s pre-K programs are among the best.
Child care providers face funding cliff as ARPA dollars fall away
ARPA funding had brought a stabilization to early childhood care that needs to be maintained.
Model D shines at SPJ Detroit awards, claims first in education reporting
Our talented team received first place in the digital category for education reporting for the powerful series Early Education Matters, and fourth place in Consumer/Watchdog/Investigative Reporting, Feature Reporting, and Social Media Strategy.
Wandering Detroit’s child care desert as an English language learner: A parent’s story
New Detroiter Carolina Cruz says the hardest part of her transition from Colombia has been trying to get to know people in the city when her family is relatively isolated. Finding child care means independence and socialization for both Cruz and her two-year-old daughter, but Detroit's waiting lists are long.
Deambulando por el desierto de cuidado infantil de Detroit como estudiante de inglés
La nueva Michigander Carolina Cruz dice que la parte más difícil de su transición desde Colombia ha sido tratar de conocer gente en la ciudad cuando su familia está relativamente aislada. Encontrar cuidado infantil significa independencia y socialización tanto para Cruz como para su hija de dos años, pero las listas de espera de Detroit son largas.
PEDALS program helps teachers bring social and emotional learning to life in the classroom
"These are the skills that will carry them through life," says Jaletha Smith, a social-emotional coach at PEDALS. "They'll know how to handle and deal with certain challenges and traumas they might face. And if they have that social-emotional piece, the cognitive— that'll be easy for them to pick up. But you first have to have those skills to be able to sit down, listen, and follow directions to get to that."
Child care workers experiencing relief from COVID-19 funds are worried about Michigan’s fiscal cliff
"It's a true gap," says "Mama" Zina Davis, who runs a Detroit child care center and knows first-hand what providers and teachers are facing, not just in terms of pay, but in respect for their roles. "We shouldn't be competing with McDonald's."
PHOTOS: The “magic” of Marygrove’s Early Ed Center
In its second school year, the Marygrove Early Education Center works to provide a holistic educational experience for students, teachers, and families. Its state-of-the-art facility, designed in collaboration with its surrounding community, recently received international recognition. Model D's team spent an afternoon learning how this award-winning center is creating an innovative model for early education.
How will Michigan candidates support students with special needs?
Detroit parent Sparkle Berry wasn't afraid to ask Michigan candidates why she has to choose between quality education and special needs support for her son. At a recent forum, she and other parents and child care advocates brought hard-hitting questions to those looking for your vote. Read how local State Senate candidates responded.
