MIKidsReady was created by a group of lifelong educators — active and retired teachers, school leaders, early childhood specialists, university faculty, and community advocates — who share a deep commitment to Michigan’s children and families. Across our careers, we have seen the same truth again and again: the first years of life shape everything that follows.
Yet Michigan is facing a severe early childcare and education crisis. Families cannot find or afford reliable care. Providers struggle to stay open. Educators and assistantes— the backbone of early learning — are paid far below a living wage. Our K–12 system is left trying to compensate for developmental gaps that begin long before kindergarten. As a result, it is ranked 44th in the nation. (2025 Kids Count Data Profile, The Annie E. Casey Foundation)
Our group includes a primary school principal, a director of early childhood education at a local ISD, a corporate board member of the Early Childhood Investment Corporation, and retired university professors. We are also parents whose own children — now graduates of some of the nation’s top universities — benefited from stable, high‑quality early childhood care. We know firsthand how powerful those early years can be.
High‑quality early childhood education and care does more than keep children safe. It:
- strengthens brain development during the most important learning window of a child’s life
- prepares children for school and long‑term academic success
- supports parents’ ability to work, pursue education, and build financial stability
- reduces the effects of poverty on children’s development
- strengthens communities and Michigan’s economy
But today, too many Michigan families are shut out of these benefits.
We came together because we believe Michigan can do better. Citizens deserve a chance to make their voices heard and choose a better future for our children and state.
Gary Thesing, Ed.D., retired professor of mathematics, launched MIKidsReady to help Michigan build a strong, fully accessible early childhood system. He guides the campaign’s strategy and coalition development seeking to advance a statewide vision of universal early learning and care.