Early Childhood
The Plan for Early Learning and Development in Michigan
Invest in Early Childhood Outcomes
• Children are born healthy.
• Children are healthy, thriving, and developmentally on track from birth to third grade.
• Children are developmentally ready to succeed in school at time of school entry.
• Children are prepared to succeed in fourth grade and beyond by reading proficiently by the end of third grade.
Expanding Access to Quality Programs and Services
• Creating a strong system infrastructure that includes coordination and collaboration, perhaps through the development and expansion of community access hubs
• Focusing resources on children from birth to age 3 and their families.
• Ensuring that pregnant women have access to prenatal care and that young children have a regular source of medical care where providers are working to identify any developmental delays.
• Making investments in high-quality preschool and child care programs, including GSRP and Head Start.
• Providing professional development to child care and preschool providers.
Recommendations for Reaching Michigan’s Early Childhood Outcomes
• Build Leadership within the System
• Support Parents’ Critical Role in Their Children’s Early Learning and Development
• Assure Quality and Accountability
• Ensure Coordination and Collaboration
• Use Funding Efficiently to Maximize Impact
• Expand Access to Quality Programs
