Michigan has officially honored nine standout organizations as the 2026 Child Care Champions of Michigan for their innovative work in expanding child care accessibility and supporting the state’s workforce. The awards celebrate a diverse array of businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, and economic development organizations from communities spanning from Northern Michigan to Southeast Michigan.
The honorees were recognized during a September 24 event in East Lansing at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. Selected organizations have implemented a range of local solutions, such as renovating vacant buildings, expanding child care capacity, investing in employer-supported care, and bringing community partners together to address child care challenges.
Recognizing Community Leadership
The annual recognition is presented by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC), Pulse at the W.E. Leaders from the organizing bodies emphasized the critical connection between local child care solutions and overall economic stability.
Access to affordable, high-quality child care is essential to the success of children, families and communities
said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, executive director of MiLEAP. Organizers noted that honorees demonstrated how creative investments and strong local partnerships can help address child care needs while helping employers and the state’s economy thrive.
Addressing Financial Pressures on Families
Families across the state face significant financial pressures related to child care costs. According to the 2025 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book, infant care averaged $10,023 annually.
The report also highlighted that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers child care affordable only if it costs less than 7% of a family’s income—a threshold met by just one in four families for infant care. Through innovative approaches like supporting providers and addressing nontraditional work schedules, the 2026 Child Care Champions are actively working to ease these burdens for working families.
