Support for Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs)

Partnering to Strengthen Michigan's Early Childhood Workforce

Michigan AEYC recognizes the critical role that Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) play in preparing and developing Michigan's early childhood workforce. We are committed to supporting colleges and universities by fostering collaboration, sharing resources, and strengthening connections between higher education and the early childhood profession.

Through our partnerships, Michigan AEYC brings together IHE faculty, community partners, and early childhood leaders to ensure ongoing conversations remain relevant and responsive to the needs of the field.

How Michigan AEYC Supports IHE

Collaboration and Articulation

We convene Institutions of Higher Education and community partners to:

• Strengthen articulation through student’s ECE Journey from CDA and beyond.
• Promote alignment with national professional standards and the Michigan Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators (MiPSC)
• Share promising practices and emerging trends in early childhood education.
• Foster collaboration that supports student success and workforce development.

National Standards and Accreditation Support

Michigan AEYC provides resources and technical assistance to help programs:

• Learn about the NAEYC Higher Education Accreditation process.
• Prepare for and navigate the accreditation application process.
• Access guidance, tools, and technical assistance throughout the accreditation journey.

Student Success and Professional Engagement

We help IHEs connect students with valuable professional resources, including:

• Assistance with creating and maintaining a MiRegistry account.
• Information about NAEYC/Michigan AEYC membership and opportunities for professional involvement.
• Participation in our Student Chapter, which provides networking, leadership development, and connections to the early childhood profession.
• Information about the TEACH Early Childhood® Michigan Scholarship Program and other workforce initiatives that support students as they pursue careers in early childhood education.

Partner With Michigan AEYC

Whether your institution is exploring NAEYC Higher Education Accreditation, seeking to strengthen program alignment with national standards, or looking for ways to better support your students, Michigan AEYC is here to help.

Together, we can strengthen the preparation of Michigan's early childhood professionals and build a highly qualified workforce that benefits children, families, and communities across the state.

To advance this initiative, Michigan AEYC actively seeks funding to support institutions pursuing NAEYC Higher Education Accreditation. Currently, 12 Michigan colleges and universities hold NAEYC Higher Education Accreditation.

Support available through Michigan AEYC may include:

• Individualized technical assistance throughout the accreditation process.
• Guidance for institutions seeking initial accreditation or reaccreditation.
• Support with the preparation of annual reports.
• Financial assistance for initial accreditation, reaccreditation, and annual reporting, when grant funding is available.

If your institution is interested in learning more about NAEYC Higher Education Accreditation or the support available through Michigan AEYC, please contact pspencer@nullmiaeyc.org.