According to new polling from the @firstfiveyears, 77% say child care costs are part of the affordability crisis, nearly 40% say coworkers’ child care challenges affect their ability to work, and 52% of working parents say child care challenges affect their ability to work.

Strong communities need strong support for children and families. That includes child care that families can access and providers can continue to offer. Before you cast your ballot, learn where the candidates stand on the issues affecting Michigan’s children. #voteformichildren

Michigan has approximately 655,527 children aged 5 and younger, and 65% of them have all available parents in the workforce.

Child care challenges do not stop at home. They show up in the workplace, too. New Michigan polling from the First Five Years Fund finds that nearly 40% of voters say their ability to work is affected by their coworkers’ child care challenges.

Nearly 40% say coworkers’ child care challenges affect their ability to work, while 52% of working parents report that child care challenges impact their own ability to work. These findings highlight why child care matters to families, employers, and communities across our state.

Michigan voters are making the connection between child care, affordability, and our workforce. The numbers tell an important story about the role child care plays in the lives of Michigan families. #VoteForMichigansChildren #childcare

Mid-Michigan, are you ready for your early childhood candidate forum? Elections are swiftly approaching. Do you know where your candidates stand on early childhood? Join us for a nonpartisan candidate discussion and learn about who will take action for you!