The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential (MiLEAP) announced a new study from Michigan State University (MSU) highlighting how access to childcare directly affects parents’ participation in the labor force, especially for mothers and young families. Using data from the Childcare Mapping Project, funded by MiLEAP as part of its Caring for MI Future initiative, the study shows families living farther from licensed childcare providers are significantly less likely to participate in the workforce. 

“Access to high-quality, affordable childcare is fundamental for families and communities to succeed,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “Every parent deserves the opportunity to work, every child deserves the support to learn and grow, and Michigan’s economy deserve a strong, resilient workforce. Through MiLEAP’s investment in early education and childcare, we are creating real opportunities for families to succeed today and for communities to thrive tomorrow.” 

The MSU study found that limited access to licensed childcare reduces workforce participation, particularly for women, and highlights the economic consequences on Michigan’s workforce and economy. According to the study, families living farther from licensed childcare providers are significantly less likely to participate in the labor force. On average, every additional mile away from a licensed provider correlates with a 2.7 percent decrease in women’s labor force participation, a 2.2 percent decrease for two-parent households, and a 1.7 percent decrease for single-parent households. These childcare access-related disruptions cost Michigan an estimated $2.88 billion annually — $2.3 billion in employer losses and $576 million in lost state tax revenue. 

"As researchers on the Childcare Mapping Project, our goal was to equip Michigan communities with the data they need to make informed decisions about childcare access and investment,” said Dr. Jamie Wu, associate director of the Community Evaluation Program in MSU’s Office of University Outreach and Engagement and research assistant professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. “Our findings show that childcare is not just a family issue — it’s a workforce and economic one. Expanding access to childcare helps more Michiganders participate in the workforce, strengthens family stability and reduces costly disruptions for employers, and the state’s economy.” 

“The findings from MSU’s study reinforce what we see every day in our work with families and childcare providers across Michigan: when care is unavailable, families — especially mothers — often must take a step back from employment,” said Emily Laidlaw, deputy director at MiLEAP, overseeing the Office of Early Education. “That’s why MiLEAP continues to expand access through initiatives like Pre-K for All, MI Tri-Share, Early Learning and Family Supports, and Child Development and Care scholarships, to make sure families have the support they need to succeed.” 

These commitments take shape through several key programs and initiatives that are helping Michigan families every day: 

• Pre-K for All – Michigan’s initiative to ensure every 4-year-old has access to free preschool, saving families up to $10,000 annually in childcare costs. 

• MI Tri-Share – A nationally recognized program where the cost of childcare is shared equally between the state, the employer and the employee. Tri-Share served more than 800 families and over 1,000 children statewide, resulting in total family savings of over $10.2 million in childcare costs since the start of the program. 

• The Child Development and Care Scholarship, which helps low-income families working families cover the cost of childcare, supporting over 27,500 families with no- or low-cost care.  

• Early On – Michigan's system for helping families of infants and toddlers, birth to age 3 who have developmental delays and/or disabilities. 

Together, these initiatives demonstrate MiLEAP’s proactive commitment to expanding access to high-quality, affordable early education and childcare across Michigan. By supporting children, families and providers, these programs help parents remain in the workforce, equip children with the skills they need to thrive in school and life, and build stronger, more equitable communities throughout the state. 

To learn more, visit MiLEAP’s Office of Early Education webpage.