NEWS:

Step Into the Sandbox!
Join Us for the Sandbox Party Convention

View Flier | Sandbox Convention 2010 |

Bring your children, bring your friends! Come learn why investing in early childhood is Michigan’s best hope for economic recovery and stability. Come add your voice and see why your vote is so important in the 2010 election.

For more information, updates about the Convention and
to register, please visit www.greatstartforkids.org.

BE AN ADVOCATE:

All children benefit from good parent advocates. Coalition parents empower each other to speak up so that all children get everything they need for a great start in life. Check out ways that you can advocate for our youngest of citizens. Check out the ECIC Policy Advocacy Center or contact your elected officials listed below.

State Senator:
Cameron Brown (R)
Toll Free (866) 305-0316
E-Mail: sencbrown@senate.michigan.gov

State Representative:
Kenneth Kurtz (R)
Toll Free (866) 362-8812
E-Mail: kennethkurtz@house.mi.gov

Governor:
Jennifer Granholm (D)
Phone: (517) 373-3400
Contact the Governor Online
Send a message to:
PO Box 30013
Lansing, M. 48909

WHY ADVOCACY IS IMPORTANT:

Why be an advocate?

• More than 85,000 Michigan children do not have a spot in licensed child care

(ECIC)

• The average cost of full-time childcare in Michigan is $6,616 annually for a four

year old child. It is $7,916 for an infant. That is 11% of the median income for two-parent families: 37% for single parents. (ECIC)

• Currently 33% of children, ages zero to eighteen, depend on Medicaid (2008

KIDSCOUNT)

• The average child care worker makes an average of $16,000 annually. This low

wage makes it difficult to hire and keep quality staff members.

Michigan citizens and lawmakers must support early childhood initiatives if we want to give all our children the chance at a great start in school and in life.