KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The City of Kalamazoo is one of nine organizations across Michigan recognized as 2026 Child Care Champions.
A ceremony in East Lansing last week honored businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, and economic development organizations that state officials say are developing innovative approaches to address child care needs in communities across Michigan.
“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 the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). “The 2026 Child Care Champions are demonstrating how local leadership, strong partnerships, and creative investments can help address child care challenges and strengthen Michigan’s early childhood system. Their work reflects the important role communities play in building solutions that support children and families while helping employers and the state’s economy thrive.”
The Child Care Champions are recognized by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation, Pulse at the W.E. Upjohn Institute, and MiLEAP for demonstrating how employers, local governments, organizations, and community partners can work together to address child care challenges.
They say the City of Kalamazoo has treated child care as essential community and economic infrastructure by supporting small business child care providers through training and grants, participating in the MI Tri-Share pilot, and advancing regional child care planning and innovative local solutions.
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