Downriver Today

The second round of funds from the Child Care Stabilization Grant will provide $368 million to child care programs in Michigan.

More than 5,500 child care programs received grants to provide $1,000 in bonuses for nearly 26,000 full-time employees and keep those businesses open, according to a press release from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D-Mich.) office.

“These grants have been a critical lifeline to providers who are fighting to stay in business and serve families and children throughout Michigan,” Lisa Brewer Walraven, director of Child Development and Care in the Office of Great Start at the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), said. “It has been our privilege to provide this ongoing support to the operational costs of child care providers and ensure those who are working in the programs are supported and recognized for the important value of the work they do.”

The grants were part of Whitmer’s bipartisan budget “that included game-changing investments in childcare,” the press release noted.

“Michigan thrives when every family has access to quality, affordable child care that meets their needs,” Whitmer said in the press release. “I worked across the aisle to secure a historic investment in child care — including grants to stabilize and strengthen the child care industry and bonuses for child care professionals. Thanks to the Child Care Stabilization Grant, over 5,500 child care programs can keep their doors open, hire more qualified professionals, and continue to improve supports for kids and families. All our kids deserve a strong start. These grants are another investment in their future and our state’s prosperity.” 

Child care providers can also use the funds to recruit and train new staff members and enhance learning conditions, according to the press release.

“As a father, I know the importance of having skilled child care professionals to care for our children. That’s why Gov. Whitmer and I continue to fight to pay child care professionals a living wage,” Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II said. “These bonuses are a small step toward our bigger goals to improve compensation for child care professionals and support child care entrepreneurs, all while keeping care affordable for working families.”