FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Michigan AEYC Applauds Governor Whitmer’s Commitment to Early Childhood Education in 2025 State of the State Address 

Lansing, MI – February 27, 2025– The Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children (Michigan AEYC) applauds Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s continued prioritization of accessible, high-quality child care and her dedication to supporting higher education access in her 2025 State of the State address. 

“Governor Whitmer’s commitment to ensuring our children get a great start is truly commendable,” said Erica Willard, Executive Director of Michigan AEYC. “We support her goal of making child care more accessible and encourage continued investments to address the needs of Michigan’s working families while laying a strong foundation for our children’s future. Her focus on affordable higher education and workforce training resonates deeply with our mission to support the professional growth of early childhood educators.” 

The Governor’s commitment to higher education access is vital. By creating pathways for early childhood professionals to further their education and obtain advanced degrees, we are empowering them to provide the best possible care and education for young children. A more qualified workforce directly translates to better outcomes for children and families across the state. We commend Governor Whitmer’s continuing support for building a strong workforce with investments in Career and Technical Education (CTE), Michigan Reconnect, the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, and the Community College guarantee. 

Michigan AEYC is committed to working alongside Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature to implement these vital initiatives. We believe that by investing in early childhood education, we are investing in a brighter future for all Michiganders. In alignment with Governor Whitmer’s priorities, Michigan AEYC administers the TEACH Early Childhood Michigan scholarship, supporting early childhood educators pursuing credentials and degrees. We also provide support to career and technical education instructors and students, assisting more students to graduate high school with field-recognized credentials. Furthermore, we are implementing workforce support programs that provide coaching, training, and support to increase education and compensation for a highly qualified and justly compensated early childhood workforce. 

About Michigan AEYC: 

The Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children (Michigan AEYC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting high-quality early childhood education for all young children in Michigan. We provide professional development, advocacy, and resources to early childhood educators, families, and communities.