Sharing from our partners at the Michigan Department of Education (MDE)

We have yet another opportunity for you to provide input on work taking place within the department. As you are aware, Michigan was awarded federal funding through the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) in 2019. The grant was designed to:

• Conduct a needs assessment to understand what’s working, what’s not working as well as it should, and new opportunities for the early childhood system
• Develop an updated strategic plan to address unmet needs and guide future actions to advance equitable outcomes for all young children and families in the state

The efforts part of PDG B-5 have served as an important step in achieving the state’s vision to strengthen programs to support children’s healthy growth and learning. As a result of these activities, the state has developed Michigan’s Birth Through 5 Strategic Plan. The state’s aspirations for this plan rest on the belief that strengthening the system and connecting young children and families to the programs and services they need, when they need them, will lead to more equitable outcomes, stronger communities and a more prosperous state.

As Michigan finalizes its Birth Through 5 Strategic Plan, we are inviting public comment to gather additional input from families, early childhood providers, and other community leaders. Your feedback is critical to helping realize the vision of ensuring all children and families can choose and receive the services and programs they need.

Please take a few moments to share your feedback on the summary of needs assessment findings and strategic plan by reviewing the overview document linked and completing the reflection questions in this survey (Spanish version/English version). Feedback will be accepted through 5:00 pm on Friday, April 30, 2021.

If you have any questions about the needs assessment, please contact Dr. Ann-Marie Faria at afaria@air.org. If you have any questions about the strategic plan, please contact Leila Sammander at sammander@schoolreadinessconsulting.com.

We appreciate your time and commitment to Michigan’s children and families.

Shulawn L. Doxie
Special Assistant to the Deputy Superintendent
P-20 System and Student Transitions Division
Michigan Department of Education
Office: 517-335-1995
Email: DoxieS@michigan.gov