Early Educator Wage Initiative

Child Care Network is launching the Early Educator Wage Initiative to support licensed child care providers across Regions 6 and 9. This exciting opportunity provides monthly stipends to early educators—helping strengthen wages, stabilize programs, and ensure that every child and family has access to quality care.

Application Timeline

  • Applications Open: Now!

  • Applications Close: Sunday, November 30, 2025

  • Application Review: December 2025

  • Notification of Selection: By Friday, December 31, 2025

Learn more about Eligibility and the Application Process

Purpose of the Grant:

The Early Educator Wage Initiative is part of a regional effort to make child care more stable, sustainable, and equitable. By providing consistent wage supports, the grant helps to:

  • Retain and value early educators through ongoing monthly stipends.

  • Strengthen the quality and stability of early childhood programs.

  • Increase access to care for families, especially in rural and underserved communities.

  • Support the overall economic vitality of child care programs.

We are excited to announce the Early Educator Wage Initiative, designed to support child care providers across Region 6 and Region 9 !

Child Care Network serves as the Regional Child Care Coalition Lead and project lead for the Early Educator Wage Initiative in both Region 6 (Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair, and Tuscola) and Region 9 (Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, and Washtenaw).

This project is designed to strengthen our region’s early childhood workforce, address wage disparities, and help stabilize programs that serve young children and families.

Many providers face challenges retaining qualified staff because wages in early care and education are significantly lower than in other industries.

Through this grant, participating programs will receive monthly stipends to supplement educator pay—recognizing the critical role early educators play in children’s development and in supporting working families.

Next Steps

Take me to the details and application!

For questions about eligibility or the application process, please Contact Us